What foods should I avoid if I have gout?

Reviewed by Yoshinori Abe, MD

Internal Medicine

Foods high in purines should be avoided if you have gout. Purines break down into uric acid in the body, and when uric acid crystals accumulate in your joints, they can trigger painful gout flares. Limiting purine-rich foods—such as red meat, organ meats, shellfish, and alcohol—helps keep uric acid levels in check and reduces your risk of flare-ups.

Not sure if your symptoms point to gout or something else? Managing gout starts with understanding what's actually causing your joint pain, and guessing can delay relief. Take a free, instant, online symptom check to get personalized insights and clear next steps—so you can act with confidence, not confusion.

Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/14/2026

Important Next Steps

Learn if gout foods trigger your symptoms Discover likely causes of your gout flare See whether gout needs care today Find OTC options for gout pain relief Find a gout specialist near you Understand medically proven gout home remedies Find out if it’s gout causing symptoms

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Explanation

Gout is a disease where a high level of uric acid in the blood persists leading to the formation of crystals in the joints. If you're experiencing joint pain or swelling, consider using a free symptom checker to better understand your symptoms. It is important to try to avoid foods high in purines that ultimately get broken down into uric acid by the body. Foods high in purines include:

Red meats (beef, lamb, pork)
Organ meats (liver, kidneys, heart)
Seafoods
Alcohol (especially beer and spirits)
Sugary drinks
High-fructose corn syrup

For those with gout, it is recommended to keep daily purine intake to 400mg or less.

(References)

Li R, Yu K, Li C. Dietary factors and risk of gout and hyperuricemia: a meta-analysis and systematic review. Asia Pac J Clin Nutr. 2018;27(6):1344-1356. doi: 10.6133/apjcn.201811_27(6).0022. PMID: 30485934.
Zhang Y, Chen S, Yuan M, Xu Y, Xu H. Gout and Diet: A Comprehensive Review of Mechanisms and Management. Nutrients. 2022 Aug 26;14(17):3525. doi: 10.3390/nu14173525. PMID: 36079783; PMCID: PMC9459802.
Schlesinger N. Dietary factors and hyperuricaemia. Curr Pharm Des. 2005;11(32):4133-8. doi: 10.2174/138161205774913273. PMID: 16375734.

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