Gout is a kind of arthritis that causes pain, inflammation, and tenderness in joints. Usually, the joints of the big toes are attacked first. Gout is a result of uric acid crystallization in the joints. Gout flare-ups happen randomly and can cause intense pain. When you have gout, you should be avoiding purine-rich foods. Purine is a chemical compound found in foods that turns into uric acid. Here are some of the foods to avoid for gout.

1. Offal
Offal is the internal organs of animals that people enjoy all over the world as food. Kidneys, liver, and heart all are types of offal meat. Offal meat is quite high in purine content. When you regularly consume the internal organs of animals, the uric acid levels in the body build up. This can lead to gout flare-ups.

2. Seafood
Another of the top categories of foods to avoid for gout is seafood. Seafood includes lobsters, sardines, all kinds of fish, and mussels. These are all naturally high in purine. People who live near the sea and are habituated to eating seafood suffer from gout flare-ups often.

3. High-fructose corn syrup
High-fructose corn syrup is made with corn and is considered a type of artificial sugar. While this is unhealthy for many reasons, it is especially bad for people with different kinds of arthritis. Fructose corn syrup increases inflammation in the body and also leads to excess uric acid circulation. Inflammation and the presence of uric acid both contribute to gout flare-ups.

5. High – purine alcoholic drinks
Some drinks like beer, port, and fortified wine are bad for individuals with gout. These are purine-rich and can contribute to uric acid crystallization and inflammation in the joints. You can instead choose spirits and white wine that are relatively safer for people with gout.

6. Red meat, pork, lamb
Another type of food to avoid for gout is red meat. This also includes pork and lamb. Red meat has higher purine levels than white meat and has to be eaten only occasionally.

7. Game meat
Game meats are meats from animals that are usually hunted in the wild. Venison, pheasant, and veal are all game meats. These also have high levels of purine and need to be restricted when you have gout.

8. Yeasts
All kinds of brewer’s yeast and nutritional yeast belong to the list of foods to avoid for gout . Yeast supplements also fall into this category. Check the ingredient list when you buy food to check for traces of yeast.

All these foods to avoid for gout are to be consumed in moderation to prevent the flare-ups of the condition. Gout can render you immobile with inflammation and pain. Along with the right foods, medications also help keep the condition in check. Keeping a check on what you eat can make this condition better.