Gout can be triggered by eating high-purine foods like red meat, organ meats, shellfish, and alcohol. When these high-purine foods are digested, they break down into uric acid. Uric acid is usually filtered out of the body by the kidneys and excreted through urine. However, high uric acid levels can lead to the formation of urate crystals, which can be deposited into joints, causing a painful health issue known as gout
(1). A gout treatment plan aims to reduce uric acid levels, which is achieved through diet, exercise, and medication
(2). A whole food plant-based diet (WFPBD) is typically low in purines compared to animal-based foods and can help manage uric acid levels
(3). Other lifestyle factors can also affect uric acid levels, including diet, stress, alcohol intake, smoking, blood pressure, and obesity
(4). A well-balanced diet with plenty of vegetables, fruits, beans, and healthy fats can help reduce uric acid levels and prevent gout flares. Several dietary strategies can help manage uric acid levels and prevent gout attacks, from consuming foods low in purine to following a regular exercise routine
(5). While avoiding high-purine foods is the best way to avoid gout, this may not be possible or appropriate for everyone. Therefore, the focus should be limiting consuming foods high in purines and keeping the overall diet healthy
(6). It was previously thought that gout patients should avoid certain vegetables. Still, recent studies have shown that the moderate purine content of many vegetables, such as asparagus, spinach, cauliflower, and mushrooms, does not affect uric acid levels and is unlikely to increase the risk of gout
(7). Additionally, a daily dose of vitamin C, which helps the body flush excess uric acid, can benefit those suffering from gout
(8). Lastly, alcoholic beverages should be avoided as they can increase uric acid levels
(9). A low-purine, balanced diet is the best strategy to reduce uric acid and keep gout symptoms at bay.
