There are a number of foods you should try to limit or avoid if you’re suffering from gout.

Organ Meats

Avoid eating organ meats such as kidney and liver. These meats contain high purine levels which contribute to elevated uric acid levels.

Red Meat

Eating too much red meat such as beef and lamb can trigger a gout attack. Try to limit servings of red meat to 1-2 servings per week.

Seafood

Some seafood is very high in purines and should be avoided:

  • Shellfish
  • Lobster
  • Crayfish
  • Shrimp
  • Anchovies
  • Sardines
  • Mackerel
  • Herring

White fish such as snapper and flounder are fine to eat. Salmon is also on the OK list and Tuna is borderline; best to avoid it if possible.

More Information on Gout and Meat

For more detailed information on what meats to moderate and which ones to avoid, read our recommendations below:

Gout and Meat

Gout and Fish

Gout and Seafood

Alcohol

Beer is one of the biggest risk factors for a gout attack. Beer is full of yeast and sugar and they combine to make a “gout bomb” that increases your risk of a gout attack.

Wine can be consumed moderately, but do not drink it during a gout attack.

Sugar

Sugary drinks such as Coke, Sprite and Fruit Juice should be avoided. Switch to “Zero” or “No Sugar” versions if you absolutely must have them and don’t mind the sweeteners used.

Avoid baked goods such as cakes, muffins and brownies which are loaded with sugar.

Avoid milk chocolate which has higher levels of sugar compared to dark chocolate (aim for 70%+ and only a couple of squares per day at the most).

Check the everyday foods you eat such as cereal, bread, yogurt and especially any “low fat” foods to see how much sugar is included. Aim for foods with no added sugar and less than 10g of sugar per 100g.

Many “low fat” or “light” foods have the fat removed (which removes taste) and sugar added to make them palatable.

Bread/Dough

Limit the amount of bread and dough you eat. Bread is mainly carbohydrate which converts into high amounts of sugars when digested by the body. You want to limit sugar as much as possible, even if it’s not eaten directly.