Gout, a type of arthritis, is caused due to high uric acid levels in the body. Excessive levels of uric acid in the body lead to the formation of crystals in the joints. Uric acid is naturally produced by the body by breaking down purine – a substance found in different foods. Therefore, to manage gout, it is important to know what foods are good and the foods that make gout worse.

Here’s a list of foods you need to avoid.

1. Meats
Animal meats contain some of the highest purine levels. These include the liver, kidneys, brain, tongue, and other parts. This makes these meats one of the worst foods to have if you suffer from gout. In addition to these, foods that are made from animal products such as chicken soup, gravy, and bullion contain purine in high quantities. 

2. Seafood and fish
In addition to organ meat, these are also some of the foods that make gout worse. Seafood and fishes contain purine in abundance. For gout patients, it is essential to stay away from sardines, scallops, mackerel, and anchovies. Seafood such as crab, shrimp, oyster, and lobster should also be avoided by gout patients since these are loaded with purines.

3. Whole grains
Oatmeal, bran, and wheat germ have purines in moderate amounts. Therefore, people with gout might not be able to enjoy the benefits of eating whole grains without running the risk of having a gout flareup. In a 2016 study, it was found that lowered glycemic index was related to reduced uric acid levels in the participants of the study. Therefore, foods that have a high glycemic index, such as pasta, white bread, and white rice, can bring down uric acid levels and prevent gout flareups. 

4. Sugar
Although sugar is low in purine, eating a diet that has high refined sugar content can lead to other health problems that can later trigger or worsen the symptoms of gout. These conditions include diabetes and obesity. Therefore, if you suffer from gout, you must stay away from foods such as sodas and foods that are sweetened using corn syrup. These foods shoot up uric acid levels. Gout patients can satiate their sweet tooth cravings by eating fresh fruits. Although you might find some fruits loaded with natural sugar, these are also an abundant source of important nutrients that are important for the body.

5. Alcohol
Beer is loaded with purines. Studies show the negative effects of drinking beer during a gout attack. The findings showed that beer consumption during a gout flare-up could worsen gout symptoms. Other alcoholic beverages might not contain purine in high amounts, but they can boost the production of purines in the body. So, gout patients should stay away from alcohol.