Gout Diet Treatment. What is it?

A low purine diet means eating foods that do not have many purines in them. Purines can be found in some foods and make up 15% of the uric acids found in the body. Uric acid comes from the breakdown of purines. The body does not use uric acid so it is usually filtered by the kidneys and taken out in the urine. When uric acid builds up in the body, it can cause pain and swelling known as gout. It may also cause kidney stones. You may need to follow this low purine diet if you have these problems.

Care

Gout is often treated with medicines that help the body get rid of extra uric acid. But, eating the right foods can help limit the amount of purines in your body. This will lessen the amount of uric acid in your body.

How Should I Be Eating?

Eat a diet that has at least 50% of calories as carbohydrates. Do this by eating 6 to 10 servings of bread or starchy foods, and 5 fruits and vegetables each day. Also eat a low fat diet to limit your fat intake to 30% or less of your total calories. Ask your caregiver for information about following a low fat diet. Do NOT drink alcohol unless OK'd by your caregiver. Alcohol can cause gout too.























Group I: (Green) Eat or drink the foods listed in Group I as often as you like while following an eating plan to stay at a good body weight.
Group II: (Yellow) Eat only 1 serving per day of these foods when your gout is under control. Avoid them when your gout is flaring up. A serving of meat, fish, or poultry is 2 to 3 ounces cooked. A serving of vegetables is 1/2 cup. A serving of liquids is 1 cup.
Group III: (Pink) Avoid these foods at all times.

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