Gout occurs when uric acid starts to build up in the blood. It further leads to the building of uric acid crystals in one or multiple joints that cause intense swelling and pain. There are several foods that make gout worse and increase uric acid levels. Here are a few such food items that you should avoid if you have gout.

1. Fruit juices
While considered healthy otherwise, fruit juices such as orange juices can flare up the risk of gout and are one of the foods that make gout worse. Research proves that a high amount of fructose level in orange juice may be the reason for aggravating gout symptoms.

2. Sodas and sugar-sweetened drinks
Research has shown an increase in gout-related symptoms among patients who consume a high level of sweetened soft drinks. These drinks have a high level of fructose that increase uric acid levels, eventually aggravating gout symptoms.

3. White bread, white rice, and pasta
These food items contain a high amount of carbohydrates. Increased consumption of carbohydrates is known to cause insulin resistance. The after-effects do not stop here. Because of insulin resistance, individuals are unable to process uric acid that subsequently leads to the development of uric acid crystals in blood and joints. This can later cause immense pain and swelling.

4. Tomatoes
As per research, tomato is considered as a food that can worsen gout. So, by eating tomatoes, there is a chance of having higher uric acid levels, resulting in gout.

5. Processed foods
Items like chips, frozen dinners, and snacks are foods that make gout worse. These food items contain a high level of monosodium glutamate (MSG), a flavor enhancer. MSG further combines with an ester of inosinic acid or salt and metabolizes food items into purines. This, in turn, increases the uric acid levels that are known to flare up gout.

6. Caffeine
Whether or not to consume caffeine when suffering from gout is a matter of debate. However, it is recommended that you steer clear from coffee or at least reduce your caffeine intake. Some research states that doubling caffeine intake increases the risk of gout-related symptoms by almost 80 percent.

7. Fat-rich desserts and foods with rich sauces
Certain food items might not directly lead to gout or gout flare-ups. However, they can cause gout in the long run. For instance, if you binge eat food items rich in sauces and fat-rich desserts, you would soon become obese, and obesity is one of the risk factors for gout.

If you are vulnerable to gout, your diet plays a very important role. It is always advisable to consult a health care professional or clinical dietician to help you with the quantity of food you should take.