Which Foods Are Bad For Gout?

Gout is a painful and debilitating condition that is caused by high levels of uric acid in the body.

One of the main culprits for increased uric acid levels is certain types of foods that are high in purines.

We have collated some of the most popular questions asked on Google about foods that are bad for gout, including which specific foods to avoid and how to manage your diet if you have gout.

Is Corn Bad For Gout?

Corn itself is moderate in purines, but it is often found in processed and packaged foods, which tend to be high in purines.

So corn and gout are a mixed bag.

Corn syrup is high in fructose, a type of sugar that can cause inflammation in the body and increase uric acid levels.

If you have gout, it is best to limit or avoid foods like corn chips, popcorn, and other packaged snacks that are high in corn syrup or other refined sugars.

Are Tomatoes Bad For Gout?

The results are mixed for tomato and gout.

While tomatoes may not be problematic for everyone with gout, it is best to avoid them or at least limit them if you have a history of flare-ups or severe gout symptoms.

Is Cheese Bad For Gout?

A bit of a mixed bag again.

Unlike other dairy products, certain cheese is high in purines and should be avoided if you have gout.

To manage your gout while still enjoying the occasional cheese and biscuits, try opting for low-purine cheeses like feta, mozzarella, and Gouda.

High purine cheeses include cheddar, Gorgonzola, and blue cheese (my favourite darn it) but they are still relatively low compared to other foods.

So overall, there isn’t a major link between cheese and gout but don’t overdo it.

Is Salmon Bad For Gout?

A big NO!

Salmon is a popular and nutritious choice for those with gout as it is high in omega-3 fatty acids and low in purines.

Eating salmon regularly can help to manage your uric acid levels while also providing other health benefits. So salmon and gout are fine.

Is Coffee Bad For Gout?

A bit of a mixed bag again with no conclusive outcome.

Some studies have found that coffee may actually help to lower uric acid levels.

One study by the Harvard School of Public Health found that participants who drank four or more cups of coffee per day had a reduced risk of developing gout over a 12-year period.

This could be due to chlorogenic acid, a compound found in coffee that has been shown to lower uric acid levels.

But other research has found that for people with gout who already have high uric acid levels, coffee may increase their risk of a flare-up.

One study by the Gout, Hyperuricemia and Crystal-Associated Disease Research Center found that drinking one to two cups of coffee per day increased the risk of flare-ups by 15%.

So is coffee bad for gout? Your guess is as good as mine.

Is Pork Bad For Gout?

It seems so. Depending on the particular cut.

Pork is one of the most commonly-cited foods that are bad for gout. It is moderately high in purines and can cause an increase in uric acid levels, leading to painful flare-ups. However, some cuts are worse than others. You just have to be careful with the ones you choose. For more info on pork and gout.

Is Turkey Bad For Gout?

No, turkey is actually a good choice if you have gout.

Turkey is low in purines compared to red meat and other poultry, and it is also a good source of lean protein.

Including healthy sources of protein in your diet can help to manage uric acid levels and reduce symptoms of gout.

Is Shrimp Bad For Gout?

Yes it is.

Shrimp is high in purines and should be avoided if you have gout. Opt for alternative sources of protein like fish, chicken, or plant-based proteins to manage your uric acid levels and avoid painful flare-ups.

Shellfish have been proven to be one of the worst contributors to gout. Therefore shrimp and gout go hand in hand.

Is Chicken Bad For Gout?

Chicken is moderate in purines and can be a good choice if you have gout depending on the cut.

Breast, buttock and thigh cuts tend to be lower in purines than other chicken parts such as the liver, so if you have gout it may be best to opt for these cuts when you are eating chicken.

Are Eggs Bad For Gout?

No, eggs are not bad for gout.

Eggs are a healthy source of protein that is low in purines and can help to manage your uric acid levels.

When you have gout, be sure to include plenty of healthy sources of protein in your diet to keep your symptoms at bay.

So eggs and gout are fine.

Is Tuna Bad For Gout?

Tuna is moderate in purines, so it is not necessarily bad for gout. However, it is best to limit your intake of tuna and not eat it every day.

On the flip side, it is full of omega 3 fatty acids which is good for gout. Omega 3 fatty acids can help to lower uric acid levels in your body and reduce inflammation.

Is Chocolate Bad For Gout?

It depends on what type of chocolate you are eating.

Dark chocolate contains less sugar and is generally lower in purines, making it a better choice for those with gout.

Polyphenols in dark chocolate have also been shown to help reduce inflammation and manage uric acid levels in the body.

In a study by the University of California, San Diego, researchers found that consuming dark chocolate with a high content of cacao (at least 70%) reduced uric acid levels by 17% in just two weeks.

However, milk chocolate or any other sugary treats should be limited if you have gout to avoid an increase in uric acid levels and painful flare-ups.

Is Spinach Bad For Gout?

Spinach is moderate in purines so it is not necessarily bad for gout. But if you have gout it may be best to limit your intake of spinach.

That said, spinach is high in nutrients like vitamins A and C, as well as minerals like magnesium. All of these nutrients are important for managing uric acid levels in the body and reducing inflammation.

So it’s something of a mixed bag with spinach and gout.

Conclusion

Whilst none of these foods are totally “bad” for gout, it is important to be mindful of your overall diet and eating patterns if you have this condition. Limit the amount of purine-rich foods you eat and the amount of alcohol you drink.

To minimize gout symptoms and flare-ups, focus on including a variety of healthy foods in your diet like lean protein, fruits and vegetables and omega 3 fatty acids.

Add medically proven foods such as turmeric and tart cherry to your diet, both readily available in supplement form.

By following these tips, you can better manage your gout symptoms and live a healthier, happier life.