Does Eating Red Meat Increase Risk of Gout?

Eating red meat in moderation does not cause gout, but eating excessive amounts of red meat can contribute to gout. This is because it is rich in purines. Red meat included meats like venison, bison, and beef, and also things like lamb and pork. The types of red meat highest in purines, that contribute to gout, are typically organ meats.

What is Gout?

Gout is a common form of inflammatory arthritis. It typically effects one joint, the big toe especially. However it can also effect joints such as the ankles and knees. Occasionally symptoms flare and get worse, and occasionally they get better. A flare may start suddenly, and last for weeks, or days. Gout is caused by a condition called hyperuricemia. This typically happens when there is too much uric acid in the body. The body makes uric acid when it breaks down purines. Purines are found in both your body, and in the foods you eat. When there is too much uric acid in the body, uric acid crystals can build up in joints, fluids, and tissues in the body. If you would like to read more about gout, here are some more articles I’ve written about gout and foodstuffs.

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What are the Risk Factors for Gout?

There are multiple risk factors which can put you at risk for hyperuricemia, which is the cause of gout. Certain health conditions, like hypertension or diabetes, can increase risk of developing gout. Using medications such as diuretics can be another factor. There are also risk factors related to diet and what you ingest, such as alcohol, drinking or eating foods high in fructose, or having a diet high in purines. Purines are found in foods such as red meat, and many types of seafood.

Does Red Meat Increase Risk of Gout?

As mentioned earlier, red meat is rich in purines that break down into uric acid. Uric acid is not necessarily bad for the body, and is usually eliminated upon passing through the kidneys. However, if somebody eats too much red meat on a daily basis, then too much uric acid is produced, and all of it cannot be dissolved. As mentioned before, too much uric acid can lead to hyperuricemia, the precursor of gout. 
Organ meats, such as liver, tongue, and sweetbreads, are higher in purines than most other types of red meats, so if you have gout, or other risk factors for gout, you may want to avoid these. Red meats, such as venison, bison, and beef, are higher in purine than white meats. It is fine to eat red meats occasionally, but it is best not to do it every day. This also includes lamb, pork, and bacon.

As mentioned earlier, red meat is rich in purines that break down into uric acid. Uric acid is not necessarily bad for the body, and is usually eliminated upon passing through the kidneys. However, if somebody eats too much red meat on a daily basis, then too much uric acid is produced, and all of it cannot be dissolved. As mentioned before, too much uric acid can lead to hyperuricemia, the precursor of gout. 

There are multiple risk factors which can put you at risk for hyperuricemia, which is the cause of gout. Certain health conditions, like hypertension or diabetes, can increase risk of developing gout. Using medications such as diuretics can be another factor. There are also risk factors related to diet and what you ingest, such as alcohol, drinking or eating foods high in fructose, or having a diet high in purines. Purines are found in foods such as red meat, and many types of seafood. 

Does Red Meat Increase Risk of Gout?

As mentioned earlier, red meat is rich in purines that break down into uric acid. Uric acid is not necessarily bad for the body, and is usually eliminated upon passing through the kidneys. However, if somebody eats too much red meat on a daily basis, then too much uric acid is produced, and all of it cannot be dissolved. As mentioned before, too much uric acid can lead to hyperuricemia, the precursor of gout. 

Organ meats, such as liver, tongue, and sweetbreads, are higher in purines than most other types of red meats, so if you have gout, or other risk factors for gout, you may want to avoid these. Red meats, such as venison, bison, and beef, are higher in purine than white meats. It is fine to eat red meats occasionally, but it is best not to do it every day. This also includes lamb, pork, and bacon.

Other Health Properties of Red Meat

Although you shouldn’t overdo it, and it may contribute to gout, there are other positive health properties of red meat, in moderation. Red meat provides a lot of healthy saturated fats. Omega-3 fatty acids in meats like lamb can be found in as high a level as things like salmon. Omega-3’s form the basis of hormones that regulate blood clotting, and the health of arterial walls. One study with more than 218,00 people from 50 different countries, even found that eating unprocessed meat regularly can reduce the risk of early death, while increasing longevity.