Written & medically reviewed by Dr. Sanjay Anbu, MBBS· Last reviewed
Diet can help control uric acid and reduce gout attacks. The idea is to cut high-purine foods and sugary drinks, stay hydrated, and keep a healthy weight — alongside any medicine your doctor prescribes.
Limit: red meat, organ meats, and seafood/shellfish (high purine)
Cut sugary drinks and fructose (they raise uric acid)
Limit alcohol, especially beer
Favour: low-fat dairy, vegetables, whole grains, fruit (like cherries)
Drink plenty of water and keep a healthy weight
When to see a doctor urgently
A hot, red, very painful joint (acute gout) — treat and see a doctor
Diet alone may not be enough — many need urate-lowering medicine
Do not start/stop gout medicine during an attack without advice
Diet helps, but is often not enough alone. For recurring gout, urate-lowering medicine is usually needed alongside diet. MedDroid gives general information, not a personalised plan.
Frequently asked questions
What foods should I avoid with high uric acid?
Red meat, organ meats, shellfish, sugary drinks and excess alcohol (especially beer) raise uric acid — limit them.
What foods lower uric acid?
Low-fat dairy, vegetables, whole grains, plenty of water, and fruit like cherries help. Weight loss also lowers uric acid.
Can diet cure gout?
Diet reduces attacks, but many people with recurrent gout also need urate-lowering medicine (like allopurinol or febuxostat) for good control.
Reviewed by Dr. Sanjay Anbu, MBBS. MedDroid is an AI medical assistant and can make mistakes. It provides general health information, not a diagnosis or medical advice — always consult a qualified clinician. In an emergency, contact your local emergency number immediately.