In general, keeping uric acid within a normal range (under 7 milligrams/deciliter) is the long-term key to preventing buildup of uric acid, which may lead to gout and/or bouts of acute gouty arthritis (episodes of severe joint pain and swelling) in people diagnosed with the disease. This can be achieved by:

• Maintaining a healthy body weight. Patients can achieve and maintain a healthy body weight by eating a balanced diet and exercising regularly.
  
  
• Avoiding excessive consumption of foods rich in purines. It should be noted that all meat, fish and poultry contain moderate amounts of purines. However, some are more rich in these substances than others, such as:
  
  
• Seafood (e.g., anchovies, sardines, fish roes, haddock, salmon, smelt, herring, mackerel, trout, mussels, scallops)
  
  
• Organ meats (e.g., liver, hearts, kidneys, sweetbreads)
  
  
• Bacon
  
  
• Poultry (e.g., grouse, turkey, partridge, goose, pheasant)
  
  
• Other meats (e.g., mutton, veal)
  
  
• Yeast
  
  
• Legumes and vegetables (e.g., beans, peas, mushrooms, cauliflower, spinach)
  
  
• Limiting or avoiding alcohol. Drinking excessive amounts of alcohol, especially beer, can inhibit the elimination of uric acid and cause dehydration, which in turn may lead to gout. Also, if a patient is experiencing a gout attack, it is best to abstain from alcohol to prevent worsening of symptoms.
  
  
• Drinking plenty of fluids (at least 68 ounces or 2 liters a day). Fluids help dilute uric acid in the blood and urine. It is especially important for gout patients to avoid dehydration during hot and humid weather.
  
  
• Avoiding use of the inflamed joint during an acute attack until pain and inflammation disappear.

Limited research has suggested that eating cherries might help prevent or relieve gout. Additional studies would be needed to establish this connection. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has warned companies not to market juice and other cherry products as a treatment or preventive measure for gout, other forms of arthritis or other diseases.

When gout is properly treated, the prognosis is excellent, and many patients experience relief from their symptoms and live productive lives.