The belief that diet “causes” gout has been around for centuries. In reality, a condition called hyperuricemia is the primary risk factor for gout. Hyperuricemia is the term used to describe high levels of uric acid in the blood.
You may hear suggestions that eating or avoiding certain foods is the “key” to controlling gout. But uric acid is a natural product of the body—part of your body's basic metabolism. Although uric acid can be reduced with dietary changes, the way your kidneys process uric acid can be more important than diet.
No one can predict exactly when an attack might occur for someone with hyperuricemia. It may be triggered by something you eat or drink, or it may be triggered by certain medicines, the presence of an illness, stressful events, or some other factor. Many times it may be difficult to say what triggered a specific attack. The level of uric acid in the blood is the only true measurement we can make. Having your healthcare provider measure your uric acid levels may help predict your chances of having a future attack.
If you think that diet acts as a trigger for your gout attacks, changing your diet may help, but it is important to talk to your healthcare provider about choosing the right diet for you. Despite what many people may think about “low-purine” diets, they may not have a very large impact on the level of uric acid in the blood. Instead, you and your healthcare provider may discuss basic healthy dietary changes, such as eating a balanced diet and avoiding foods that are high in purines. If you're overweight or obese, you should discuss weight management with your healthcare provider since obesity is one of several conditions commonly associated with gout.
Read more about: