Answer: Try changing your diet: cut back on foods associated with an increased risk for gout (e.g. beer and spirits, foods rich in purines, fructose) and consume more of those foods associated with a decreased risk for gout (e.g. coffee).
Surprisingly, the dietary intervention studies haven’t been done yet to test whether dietary changes reduce gout flares, but it makes sense for you to see if changing your diet helps.
Read this scientific article for ideas to try:
Update on the management of hyperuricemia and gout.
Update on the management of hyperuricemia and gout.
Abstract
Gout is the most common inflammatory arthritis in the United States, with more than three million sufferers. Management of gout has changed relatively little in the past 50 years, despite the fact that many gout patients have contraindications to one or more currently available gout therapies. However, recent insights into gout pathophysiology suggest that time is ripe for a change. This article reviews recent updates in the management of gout, including new insights into dietary management that may permit better control of hyuperuricemia. Also reviewed are the biological and clinical data behind newly-developed drugs for gout that are likely to receive serious consideration for FDA approval, and clinical use, in the foreseeable future.
Here’s the abstract of another scientific review opinion paper that gives some good suggestions to try:
A prescription for lifestyle change in patients with hyperuricemia and gout.
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW:
This review summarizes the recent data on lifestyle factors that influence serum uric acid levels and the risk of gout and attempts to provide holistic recommendations, considering both their impact on gout as well as on other health implications.
RECENT FINDINGS:
Large-scale studies have clarified a number of long-suspected relations between lifestyle factors, hyperuricemia, and gout, including purine-rich foods, dairy foods, various beverages, fructose, and vitamin C supplementation. Furthermore, recent studies have identified the substantial burden of comorbidities among patients with hyperuricemia and gout.
SUMMARY:
Lifestyle and dietary recommendations for gout patients should consider overall health benefits and risk, since gout is often associated with the metabolic syndrome and an increased future risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and mortality. Weight reduction with daily exercise and limiting intake of red meat and sugary beverages would help reduce uric acid levels, the risk of gout, insulin resistance, and comorbidities. Heavy drinking should be avoided, whereas moderate drinking, sweet fruits, and seafood intake, particularly oily fish, should be tailored to the individual, considering their anticipated health benefits against CVD. Dairy products, vegetables, nuts, legumes, fruits (less sugary ones), and whole grains are healthy choices for the comorbidities of gout and may also help prevent gout by reducing insulin resistance. Coffee and vitamin C supplementation could be considered as preventive measures as these can lower urate levels, as well as the risk of gout and some of its comorbidities.
