Gout is arthritis that is an inflammatory condition arising in the joints. Approximately 8.3 million people in the country suffer from this type of arthritis. People suffering from gout experience inflammation and swelling of the joints and severe and sudden joint pain attacks. However, some lifestyle changes and medications can help monitor gout. Here, we will discuss some foods to avoid for gout flare-ups.

1. Alcohol
Beer has a high purine content. Moreover, alcohol makes it hard for your kidneys to eliminate uric acid. Thus, it is advisable to avoid alcohol consumption to reduce the risk of symptom flare-ups.

2. Soft drinks
Though the sugar fructose present in soft drinks does not have a high purine content, our body breaks it down and leads to purine formation. Consumption of sodas that have high-fructose corn syrup puts you at a higher risk of gout. Thus, instead of sugary drinks, you can consume water flavored with lime slices and lemon or any unsweetened seltzer in tasty flavors, such as vanilla and passion fruit.

3. Organ meats
A lot of people enjoy eating meat organs like the liver, but it does lead to symptom flare-ups in people with gout. Organ meats, such as tongue, liver, and sweetbreads, have a high purine content. This can aggravate the uric acid levels and lead to a gout attack. Further, red meats, such as bison, venison, and beef, have higher purine content and must be avoided.

4. Seafood
Some specific kinds of seafood, such as sardines, crab, mussels, anchovies, mackerel, herring, shrimp, and trout, among others, have moderate to high purine levels. Thus, to avoid the gout symptom flare-ups, you should exclude seafood from your diet.

5. Pork and beef
Even though organ meats happen to be the worst types of meats because of their high purine levels, you should also avoid eating lean meat, such as beef and pork. These, too, can increase your susceptibility to triggering the gout symptoms.

6. Shellfish
To prevent any future instances of gout, it is recommended to eliminate high-purine items, such as lobster, scallops, and shrimp from your menu. Studies have proven that men who consumed a high quantity of seafood in their diet are 50 percent more vulnerable to developing gout than the men who did not eat or consumed them only in moderation. Thus, it makes all the sense to remove shellfish from your diet.

7. Fatty fish
Other things that fall under the foods to avoid for gout category are finned creatures, mainly fatty fish. Redfish or the ocean perch, herring, anchovies, tuna, and sardines are among the proteins, which trigger gout pain. Thus, you need to stop the consumption of these food items to prevent symptom flare-ups.