Can diet help treat gout?
There are many myths about diet and gout. Here are the facts: • Obesity can be linked to high uric acid levels in the blood. If you are overweight, work with your doctor to develop a weight-loss program. Don’t fast or try to diet too severely because that can raise your uric acid level and make the gout worse. If you are not overweight, watch your diet carefully so you don’t become overweight. • Usually you can eat what you like within limits. If you have kidney stones due to uric acid, you may need to avoid or limit foods that raise your uric acid level, such as those listed below. Talk to your doctor about what foods you may have to avoid. You may need to completely avoid these foods which may raise uric acid levels: • Brains • Kidney • Broths, gravies • Sardines, anchovies • Liver • Sweetbreads You can drink coffee and tea. However, talk to your doctor about drinking alcohol. Too much alcohol may raise your uric acid level and bring on a gout episode. Drink at least 10-12 eight-ounc
