skip to menu
Subscribe
& Save 15%
Get $20
Limited Offer!
Refer a Friend >

nourish / Articles

The Best and Worst Foods for Gout

McKenzie Jones

March 21, 2019

McKenzie Jones

McKenzie Jones

McKenzie is Registered Dietitian Nutritionist for nutribullet who aims to make the world a healthier, happier place. She believes that living a healthy lifestyle and eating for your health isn't meant to be complicated -- it's meant to be simple, enjoyable, and judgment-free (with room for dessert). When she’s not dishing out nutrition tidbits, you can find McKenzie visiting her local farmers market, hiking her favorite trails with her husband, and chasing after her daughters.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a common inflammatory condition in which the build-up of uric acid causes arthritis and the associated redness, swelling, and pain in joints. Frequently presenting itself alongside other conditions, such as obesity, diabetes, renal disease, or hypertension, the incidence of gout has more than doubled over the past 20 years, according to a 2017 study published in The Journal of Rheumatology.

Millions of Americans are affected by gout each year. However, there are dietary changes and healthy lifestyle habits you can adopt to help you prevent gout and its symptoms.

Foods to Limit

Research has shown that excessive intake of meat, seafood, sugar-sweetened beverages, and alcohol increases the risk of gout. These foods are typically high in purines, or organic compounds that break down into uric acid.

Foods to Eat

Foods that are generally safe to eat among individuals with gout are low-fat dairy, fruits, and vegetables, as well as complex carbohydrates such as whole grains, beans, and legumes. In fact, low-fat dairy products, vitamin C often found in fruits and vegetables, and coffee have all shown to have protective effects against gout. Excellent sources of vitamin C include grapefruit, oranges, strawberries, bell peppers, broccoli, and spinach.

Additional Healthy Habits

Staying adequately hydrated, eating balanced meals throughout the day, and engaging in daily physical activity are important habits for both the management of gout and for overall health.

Gout-Friendly Recipes to Try

Kale and Green Apple SmoothieLoaded with some of the best green veggies and fruits nature has to offer, this cleansing green smoothie will help you feel refreshed.

Frozen Blueberry LemonadeThis is not your average lemonade. With a blend of blueberries, citrus fruits, and mint, this smoothie contains healthy doses of vitamin C and antioxidants.

Ginger Spinach Berry BoosterTreat your taste buds to a berry smoothie that’s filled with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory ingredients like ginger and turmeric.

As with all medical conditions, it’s best to consult with your healthcare provider before making any dietary changes. We encourage you to meet with a registered dietitian for personalized nutrition care.

Get inspired with these featured favorites.

Super Blue Smoothie
RECIPE

Super Blue Smoothie

Is there such a thing as a perfect smoothie? This sweet medley certainly makes a strong case. With a classic combination of blueberries, banana, and spinach, this superstar smoothie provides a powerful nutrient boost!

Clock icon representing preparation time 5 mins
Chef hat icon representing cooking time Easy
Fire icon representing calories or energy 310 cal
Good Morning Green Smoothie
RECIPE

Good Morning Green Smoothie

Start your day on a high note with this nutritiously cheerful blend of greens, mango, banana, and chia seeds.  

Clock icon representing preparation time 5 mins
Chef hat icon representing cooking time Easy
Fire icon representing calories or energy 240 cal
Essential Green Smoothie
RECIPE

Essential Green Smoothie

Consider this blend the little black dress of nutribullet smoothies: it never goes out of style. To help keep your energy stable throughout the day, aim to balance your meals and snacks with high-quality protein, healthy fats, and fiber-filled carbs – like this combo of Greek yogurt, peanut butter, fruit, and veggies. There’s a reason this one is always on-trend.

Clock icon representing preparation time 5 mins
Chef hat icon representing cooking time Easy
Fire icon representing calories or energy 320 cal