Do Potatoes Cause Gout?

Potatoes have not been isolated as a major, or even minor, cause of gout. Studies have shown that they are in fact fine to eat in moderation, so long as they aren't fried, and some alternative health strategies suggest gout sufferers drink potato juice. Positive diet and lifestyle choices, however, are recommended to reduce the severity and frequency of gout attacks that affect as many as 10 percent of Americans.

The Facts

Gout is caused by an overabundance of uric acid in the bloodstream. This excess uric acid, caused by the breakdown of chemical compounds known as purines, can build up over time in joints to cause arthritic pain. There are a number of potential causes for gout, including obesity, frequent use of medicines that increase uric acid production, and illnesses and conditions like kidney disease and chronic blood pressure. Reducing dependence on purine-rich foods can be an affective way to reduce gout pain.

Beneficial Foods

Potatoes are recommended by the University of Rochester as part of a healthy diet for gout sufferers. Eating a balanced diet of low-purine foods has been shown to reduce the frequency and intensity of gout attacks. Green vegetables, tomatoes, fruits, nonwhole-grain breads, chocolate, eggs, buttermilk, peanuts and nut butters are safe to eat in moderation. Coffee, tea and carbonated beverages are also acceptable in reasonable quantities. Low-fat or nonfat milk and yogurt may lower your attack risk.

Harmful Foods

Alcohol, including liquor and especially beer, is a leading culprit of purine intake and should be severely reduced or excluded from a gout sufferer's diet. Red meats, poultry dark meat, organ meats, liver, bacon and fried food in general are high in purines and should be avoided. Poultry white meat and lighter fish are acceptable meats for a gout sufferer to eat on a constricted basis. Similarly, avoid fatty fish, such as sardines, anchovies, mackerel and scallops.

Lifestyle

There are a number of lifestyle issues that can encourage gout attacks in predisposed patients. Obesity, frequent dehydration, and moderate to heavy alcohol consumption are factors you can work to control with the effect of reduced attack severity. Drinking plenty of water (48 to 64 ounces of water, herbal teas, or fruit juices), and engaging in a moderate exercise schedule, when possible, are positive ways to affect your health with gout.

Considerations

Finally, always speak with health professionals following a gout attack. Though the pain may have dissipated, uric acid may still be affecting your joints, causing potentially serious damage.