Gout is defined as a type of arthritis that causes pain in the joints, tendons, and other bodily tissues. The attacks endured as a result of this condition may last a few hours and reoccur months or even years later. Although there is no prominent cure for gout, there are ways to prevent and manage it. One of the ways to treat the disease is to practice a healthy life-style and eat a low-purine diet.

A healthy life-style demands that you implement proper nutrition and commit to a daily exercise regimen. Some well-known risk factors for gout include obesity and the excessive intake of alcohol. Both of these factors can be alleviated by implementing an eating plan that is low in purine.

Purine is a chemical that is broken down by the body and converted into uric acid. Too much uric acid causes urate buildup; which inevitably deposits into the joints. The uric acid is normally filtered through the kidney then flushed away through the urine.

Because of the excess levels of uric acid, however, the kidney is unable to function properly. To avoid high concentration of uric acid, physicians may prescribe medications in addition to recommending a low-purine diet.

Making dietary changes that limits the amount of purines you consume prevents future gout attacks. The basic concept of a healthy low purine diet is to maintain a healthy weight, limiting alcohol intake and increasing liquids.

There are certain foods that are high in purines and must be avoided if you have experienced a gout attack. Foods high in purine include red meats, seafood and yeast. Recommended low-purine foods and beverages include:

• Cream-style soups made with low-fat milk
• Soups made without meat extract or broth
• Breads and cereals (low-fiber, white flour or refined grain types)
• Pasta and macaroni
• Rice
• Soda
• Coffee and tea
• Gelatin
• Certain vegetables (not cauliflower, asparagus, or spinach)
• Sugar, syrup and other sweets (in small amounts)
• Fruits and juices
• Low- fat and fat- free cheeses
• Eggs (limit to 3 to 4 per week)