Foods that can cause gout

Gout occurs when urate crystals form in and around a joint. Purines from foods such as organ meats, some red meats, shellfish, and certain fish are converted to urate. Alcohol and fructose-sweetened drinks can make urate balance harder to maintain. The kidneys, medicines, inherited factors, body weight, and hydration also influence the result.

A person can develop gout without eating a particular dish, and someone with gout may tolerate a food that troubles another person. An attack is not proof that a meal created the underlying condition. Food changes are most useful when combined with an appropriate medical plan.

Choose regular meals with vegetables, whole grains, and suitable protein. Reserve higher-purine animal foods for portions your clinician agrees are reasonable, and reduce alcohol and sweetened drinks. Drink fluids regularly unless you have been told to restrict them. Do not discontinue prescribed treatment; medicine may be needed to keep urate low even when eating habits improve.

Get medical advice for a first sudden attack of severe pain, redness, warmth, or swelling in a joint. Seek urgent care if the joint is hot and swollen with fever, chills, confusion, or a rapidly worsening illness, because infection requires different treatment. Recurrent attacks or known kidney disease also call for a review of prevention.

Ask whether blood or joint-fluid testing is appropriate, which dietary changes fit your kidney health, and whether your current medicines can alter urate.