Can diet affect gout sufferers?

Eating foods rich in purines can increase uric acid levels in the body and worsen gout, according to WebMD. Gout sufferers should limit consumption of high-purine foods such as meats, organ meats, beer, gravy and high-purine seafood, including sardines, mackerel, herring and anchovies.

Gout patients should focus on eating low-purine foods such as green leafy vegetables, tomatoes, fruit, cheese, eggs, peanut butter and nuts. Eating low-fat yogurt and low-fat or nonfat milk may help to lower the risk of gout, states WebMD. Staying properly hydrated by drinking eight to 16 glasses of water can lead to fewer gout attacks, according to Mayo Clinic.