Do you have gout? If so, you are not alone. Around one in 10 chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients live with gout, which is a type of arthritis that causes joint pain and swelling. It is often treated with medication and a proper diet. Learn more about what foods to limit and which to include in a “gout diet”.* 

How is gout related to CKD?

For CKD patients, the inability to filter out wastes properly can lead to gout. This occurs when uric acid, a type of waste, builds up in your body and forms crystals that often settle in joints, causing inflammation, pain, redness, and swelling. These same uric acid crystals can damage kidneys, meaning that gout is also a risk factor for the development and progression of CKD. 

 What foods to limit?

Foods containing purines, a component of protein, should be limited to avoid excess uric acid production. High-purine foods include:

• Alcoholic beverages, including beer
• Animal products such as:
  • Beef, bacon, pork, and lamb
  • Organ meats (brains, kidneys, liver, sweetbreads, etc.)
  • Game meats (turkey, goose, veal, venison)
• Gravy and meat-based sauces
• Legumes such as dried beans and peas
• Mushrooms and asparagus
• Seafoods including:
  • Fish (anchovies, herring, mackerel, trout, tuna, sardines)
  • Shellfish (mussels, scallops)

Moreover, sugary drinks (like soda), sugary foods, and foods with high-fructose corn syrup also have a connection with gout and should be consumed in moderation or avoided completely. 

What foods and drinks are good for gout?

Dietary habits that can help to manage gout and prevent flare-ups include:

• Staying hydrated and consuming enough water. With CKD, fluid guidelines should be discussed with your doctor to ensure proper hydration for your kidneys. 
• Eating foods high in Vitamin C may reduce the level of uric acid in your blood. High vitamin C foods include cherries, oranges, strawberries, bell peppers, and pineapples. 
• Drinking coffee. Coffee, and possibly skim milk, can help lower uric acid levels.
• Varying your protein sources. This can help mitigate your consumption of high-purine foods. 
• Eating whole grains. Most cereal grains (except oats), rice, breads, and pasta are gout-friendly. Whole grains help lower blood sugar.

Where can I learn more?

The American Kidney Fund answers many common questions about gout and provides a downloadable booklet. If needed, they can also help you to find a gout specialist in your area. 

*American Kidney Fund. (2022, May 16). Gout and kidney disease. Retrieved October 11, 2022, from https://www.kidneyfund.org/resource/gout-and-kidney-disease