People with gout should avoid foods that contain natural chemicals, called purines.
Foods to avoid include:
- Beef
- Pork
- Lamb
- Seafood
- Alcoholic beverages
- Bacon
- Yeast: in beer and bread
Additional foods that contain purines include:
- Chicken
- Duck
- Turkey
- Whole grain bread
- Kidney beans
- Lima beans
- Asparagus
- Cauliflower
- Mushrooms
- Peas
- Spinach
General recommendations for a healthy diet include:
- Eat quality fats: use virgin olive oil and other unsaturated, low-cholesterol fats.
- Eat the right amount of fats, carbohydrates and protein: limit your fat intake to 20 or 30 percent, but don't substitute simple carbohydrates for fat.
- Avoid fad diets: eat a well-rounded diet instead.
- Limit iron intake: too much iron can increase atherosclerosis.
- Eat enough dietary fiber: whole grains are best.
- Check with your doctor about supplementing your diet with B vitamins. Some people may benefit from these supplements.
Key Features of a Healthy Diet| NUTRIENT | RECOMMENDATION |
| Energy (calories) | to maintain BMI of < 25 |
| Total fats | less than or equal to 30% of total daily calories |
| Saturated fats | less than 7% of total daily calories |
| Polyunsaturated fats | less than 10% of total daily calories |
| Monounsaturated fats | less than 13% of total daily calories |
| Cholesterol | less than or equal to 300 mg per day* |
| Dietary fiber | 25-30 grams per day or 10-13 g/1000 cals |
| Insoluble / soluble fiber | 3:1 |
| Sodium | less than or equal to 1,500 mg per day |
| Calcium 9-24 yrs | 1,200-1,500 mg per day |
| Calcium 25-50 yrs | 1,000 mg per day |
| Calcium 51-65 yrs | 1,200 mg per day |
| Calcium >65 yrs | 1,500 mg per day |
| Vitamin D 9-50 yrs | 5 ug per day |
| Vitamin D 51-70 yrs | 10 ug per day |
| Vitamin D >70 yrs | 15-20 ug per day |
| Folic acid | 400 ug per day |
| Fruits & vegetables | 5-7 servings per day |
Star items (*): If response is inadequate reduce to less than or equal to 200 mg of dietary
cholesterol per day
