Gout is a form of arthritis that affects almost 8.3 million people every year. This disease causes sudden and shooting pain in the affected joints due to the deposition of excess uric acids in the form of crystals. Gout cannot be cured permanently, but the symptoms can be managed with medications and a healthy diet. Here are a few foods to avoid for managing gout effectively:

Harmful foods for gout patients

• Purines
  Purines in animal and plant foods are converted into uric acid by the body during digestion, which can aggravate the symptoms of gout. Doctors say that eating animal products, especially red meat, is harmful to gout patients. Instead, they should have dairy products to manage the symptoms better. Sugary drinks and processed foods are high in purines and are best avoided by gout patients.
• Alcohol
  The consumption of any type of alcohol exacerbates the symptoms of gout, but beer is especially harmful to gout patients. They are also associated with repeated gout attacks, and quitting alcohol consumption is the best way to prevent flare-ups.
• Sugary foods
  Instead of consuming foods and beverages loaded with refined sugars, like aerated beverages, cereals, candies, or baked goods, people with gout should opt for naturally sweetened beverages like fresh fruit juices and snack options like plain yogurt with fresh fruit to satisfy their sweet tooth.
• Seafood
  Seafood like anchovies, shellfish, and tuna contain high amounts of purine and can aggravate the symptoms of gout. So, it is advisable for gout patients to stay away from seafood to prevent joint inflammation and relieve pain.

Beneficial foods for gout patients

• Coffee
  Studies show that caffeinated coffee can relieve the symptoms and the risk of gout. However, if one has an underlying medical condition, it’s best to consult a doctor before adding coffee to their diet.
• Vitamin C
  Vitamin C helps prevent gout because it decreases uric acid levels in the body. A doctor might recommend including 500 milligrams of vitamin C in the diet.
• Plant-based diet
  A plant-based diet is more beneficial for a person with gout than an animal-based one because of the high fiber and low purine content. Such a diet keeps uric acid levels in check and boosts heart health, which is a bonus because gout patients are likely to suffer from heart problems.

Causes
Generally, gout occurs when the uric acid levels in the body are above normal, and the excess uric acid starts crystalizing and depositing into the joints. Excess uric acid in the body can be a result of an underlying condition like kidney disease or an inherited disorder. Alternatively, one’s diet may be high in purines. An individual is at risk of getting gout if:

• They are middle-aged or postmenopausal
• They have a family history of the disease
• They eat foods rich in purine