Gout is a condition that happens when too much uric acid builds up in the blood. Uric acid is the waste product of the breakdown of a substance called purine. Purine is found in various foods, including meat, fish, shellfish, and organ meats, all of which should be avoided.

Uric acid levels increase in the blood when the body breaks down purines from foods. When too much uric acid is in the blood, crystals can form, and joints and kidneys can be inflamed. As uric acid levels increase, more uric acid crystals build up in joints, which form painful, swollen joints.

To prevent and treat gout, one of the most critical aspects is learning to pick foods that do not trigger a gout attack. So, which foods cause gout? This is a commonly asked question you should answer if you have this disease, and in this blog post, we’ll take a look at some foods that cause gout and why to avoid them.

Foods to avoid in a gout diet

1) Organ meat

Organ meats, such as liver, kidney, and sweetbreads, should be avoided in a gout diet. Eating these types of meats can trigger a gout attack. Uric acid is produced when the body breaks down purines, which can be found in organ meats. Although organ meats are a good source of protein, vitamins, and minerals, high levels of purines can increase the risk of gout flares.

Thus, it is not that these foods are intrinsically bad. It is that gout patients should stay away. By following a gout diet that avoids organ meats and other gout triggers, people with gout can reduce the risk of flares and improve their overall health.