Gout, a type of arthritis, is caused due to a high level of uric acid in the body. With the help of a healthy diet, the uric acid levels can be brought down, and the flare-ups can be prevented or controlled. Although a diet cannot provide a cure, it can reduce the risk of recurrence of gout attacks. So, here are some dietary tips for gout.

Foods to avoid
The first step towards controlling the condition is to avoid certain foods. If there are flare-ups, there may be many culprits, and one of them could be foods rich in purine. Therefore, one of the essential dietary tips for gout patients is to avoid these foods. Some of the foods that should be avoided by gout patients are:

1. Meat
Glandular or organ meat must be completely avoided by gout patients. Meats, such as the kidney and liver, contain high purine levels and can shoot up the uric acid in the blood. Also, red meat such as pork, beef, and lamb should be eliminated from the diet.

2. Alcohol
Several alcoholic beverages, such as beers, have been known to increase the chances of developing gout and increasing the risk of attacks. During gout attacks, alcohol should be avoided completely. Alcohol should also be avoided between gout attacks too.

3. Foods and beverages rich in sugar
Beverages and foods that contain sugar in high quantities should be eliminated from the diet. These include bakery goods, sweetened cereals, and candies. For gout patients, fruit juices with natural sugars must also be limited.

Foods to eat
There are several foods that have low purine levels and can be enjoyed by gout patients without any worry. Any food that has less than 100 mg of purine in every 100-gram serving is considered to be a low-purine food. Some of the foods that are considered suitable for gout patients are:

1. Cherries
Fruits such as cherries are considered to be helpful in preventing gout attacks. Many studies suggest that eating cherries is linked to fewer chances of having gout attacks. Cherries are considered to be one of the most beneficial fruits for gout patients since they have the ability to lower the uric acid level in the body and reduce inflammation.

2. Hibiscus
Hibiscus has been a traditional and popular natural remedy for several ailments, including gout. In a study, it was found that hibiscus was able to bring down the uric acid levels. To use hibiscus to treat gout, you can use it as a supplement, extract, or tea. However, before using it, ensure that you have read the label carefully.