Prevention of gout
Preventing acute gout attacks is equally as important as treating the gout. Prevention of gout generally involves: maintaining adequate fluid intake to promote the excretion of uric acid;
weight reduction, if necessary. This can be achieved by reducing dietary fat and calorie intake, which should be combined with a regular aerobic exercise programme. However, crash diets should be avoided as this can lead to an increase in uric acid levels through lowered uric acid excretion;
Dietary changes to reduce uric acid levels in the blood
You should avoid purine-rich foods such as shellfish, organ meats (liver, brains, kidney etc.), and anchovies and sardines. You should also limit the intake of dried beans and peas and yeast products; and reduction or elimination of alcohol consumption. Alcohol can cause uric acid levels to rise and can also have a diuretic effect that can add to dehydration and precipitate gout attacks.