Acidity of a Diet
According to Goutcure.com, the acidity of a diet can potentially lead to a person developing gout. Extremely acid forming foods with a pH level of 5.0 to 5.5 will cause a person to be more susceptible to developing gout due to the fact that these foods contain significant amounts of purines, which are metabolized to uric acid in the body. This excess amount will lead to urate crystals to form in the joints. Uric acid elimination increases as the urine reaches an alkaline pH state and is reduced as it becomes more acidic. Therefore it is recommended that people suffering from gout stick to more alkaline diets with pH levels 6.5 and higher.Fruits and Vegetables
Certain vegetables such as asparagus, cauliflower and mushrooms cause the body to produce uric acid. The Mayo Clinic advises people with gout to eat more alkaline vegetables such as lettuce, carrots and celery. Cucumbers, artichokes and spinach are also recommended. As with vegetables, certain fruits will cause an increased acidity within the body that could lead to gout. According to MedlinePlus, lemons, watermelon, cantaloupe, apples, apricots, peaches and grapes are great at reducing uric acid production within the body.Meats
The Mayo Clinic suggests avoiding or limiting organ meats such as liver, herring and anchovies due to their high content of purines. All animal proteins however contain protein and people with gout should limit their meat intake to less than 6 oz. daily.Breads and Grains
According to Goutcure.com, eating more whole grains and fewer refined carbohydrates such as white bread, cakes and candy will reduce purines in the body as well as uric acid. Grains such as rice or wheat crackers, and rye products are also beneficial to those with gout as long as they are unrefined.Dairy
The Mayo Clinic states that according to some studies, drinking skim or low-fat milk and eating foods made with these products reduce the risk of gout, and also are safe for those with gout to eat. Such products would be cheeses and yogurts made with low-fat milk.References
Adriana Muntean
12 March 2011
http://www.livestrong.com/article/90105-foods-can-eat-gout/
