DIET and GOUT
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Gout is caused by a build up of uric acid within the body. Uric acid is a break down product of chemicals called purines.

Reducing purine intake may help in preventing gout attacks and lowering uric acid levels.

Foods very high in purines include :

Organ meats  ( brain, kidney, heart, sweet bread)
Yeast (including beer, Milo, Vegemite)
Herring, mussels
Dried peas and beans

Foods high in purines

Anchovies, salmon, haddock, trout
Mutton, veal
Bacon
Turkey, goose, pheasant, partridge, grouse
Liver

A high fat diet raises uric acid levels and should be avoided

Alcohol reduces the ability of the body to excrete uric acid and aggravates gout - more than 10 grams of alcohol per day increases gout risk

Some diuretics esp. ‘thiazides’ (‘fluid tablets’) also reduce the excretion of uric acid and aggravate gout.

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