Can I Treat My Gout Condition with My Diet Alone?
Jun 05, 2025
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Gout can strike suddenly and painfully—often in your big toe—and if you’ve experienced it, you know how disruptive it can be.
At NYC Foot & Ankle Center in the Manhattan Valley neighborhood of the Upper West Side, we often hear the question: “Can I manage my gout with diet alone?” Diet can make a big difference, but it’s only one piece of the puzzle.
Read on as our team of providers answers this question in more depth.
Gout is a form of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid in your blood. When uric acid builds up and the levels become too high, sharp crystals can form in your joints. These crystals cause intense pain, swelling, and redness.
Gout often comes in flares, which can last for days or weeks, followed by pain-free periods. Even something as light as a bedsheet resting on your toe can cause excruciating pain during a flare-up.
Certain foods are high in purines, which your body breaks down into uric acid. Reducing purine-rich foods in your diet can lower your risk of flares and manage your uric acid levels more effectively.
Not all foods are gout-friendly. If you have gout, you’ll need to avoid foods that are highest in purines:
Swap these foods for lower purine foods like poultry, eggs, or salmon.
What you do eat is just as important as what you avoid. For example, swapping out sugary drinks or alcohol for water can help manage gout. That’s because drinking enough water can help flush out excess uric acid.
You might also consider eating low-fat dairy, tart cherries (which help reduce inflammation), and complex carbohydrates like whole grains, fruits, and vegetables.
While dietary changes are important, they’re often not enough to control gout completely, especially if your uric acid levels are very high or you’ve had multiple flares.
Your diet isn’t the only component that affects uric acid levels in your body. Genetics, kidney function, medications, and other health conditions also affect your uric acid levels.
Most people with gout need a combination of diet, medication, weight management, and regular foot care to prevent painful flares and long-term joint damage.
While you may not be able to treat gout with diet alone, making smart dietary choices is a critical part of your care plan. At NYC Foot & Ankle Center, we help you develop a personalized approach that addresses your immediate symptoms and your long-term joint health.
Your gout management plan may include corticosteroids to reduce inflammation. Our team can also prescribe colchicine to help prevent and treat gout flare-ups.
In addition, you may benefit from other medications to:
Still dealing with painful gout attacks? Our experienced podiatry team can help you find relief and build a plan to prevent future flares. Contact us today.