Foods that cause gout, the disease of kings, were historically available only to the wealthy. Today, however, nearly everyone can overindulge in rich, unhealthy food and alcohol. As a result, some two million Americans are suffering from gout just like King Henry VIII.

Gouts joint inflammation is caused by the crystallization of excessive uric acid in the blood (hyperuricemia). Uric acid is a waste product formed by the breakdown of purines, natural substances found mainly in fatty meats, particularly red meat, and in some fish, grain and vegetable foods.

The latest, most exhaustive and definitive research of 47,150 men over a twelve year period, published in The New England Journal of Medicine, clarifies which purine containing foods may or may not cause gout and which foods may actually help prevent flare-ups in those prone to the disease.

Lead investigator Hyon Choi, MD, DrPH, of Harvard Medical School, found that each daily serving of beef, lamb or pork increased gout risk by 21%. Seafood increased the risk by 7% with each serving per week. Chicken, grains and vegetables, on the other hand, were found to have no risk, whereas two daily servings of low fat dairy were linked to a 50% decrease in gout.

Obesity is another major factor in gout. Extra pounds put greater stress on the joints and increase the risk of hyperuricemia. But, dont lose weight quickly or resort to low-carb diets high in fatty meats. These only increase uric acid in the blood. To lose weight and prevent gout, Dr. Choi recommends a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and low-fat dairy products,

Since water helps flush uric acid from the body, anyone susceptible to gout should drink at least 10 to 12 glasses of pure water a day. Its also extremely important to limit or eliminate alcohol, because it interferes with the removal of uric acid and is often the cause of gout flare-ups.

However, recognizing the valuable anti-inflammatory benefits of fish oil, Dr. Choi recommends that you get the protective components of omega fatty acids that are in fish. So, if you have gout, he suggests, fish oil capsules, rather than eating a lot of seafood

To be free of gout pain without harmful medication, it only makes sense to achieve and maintain a healthy weight, eat less meat, drink more water and less alcohol and take omega 3 fish oil capsules to naturally prevent and reduce painful inflammation and swelling.