Can People with Gout Eat Fish?

Fish Consumption for Gout Patients: A Case-by-Case Approach

Whether gout patients can consume fish depends on specific circumstances. If the disease is in an acute phase, it is not recommended to eat fish; however, during remission or intermission, fish can be consumed in moderation.

1. Not Recommended: For gout patients, during acute episodes, it is advised against consuming any food, including all high-purine diets such as fish. This is because the patient's joint swelling and pain symptoms are severe during this period, and consuming these foods may exacerbate the condition, hindering recovery.

2. Permitted: When gout is in remission, typically without evident clinical manifestations like joint redness, swelling, heat, or pain, low-purine foods like milk, eggs, fresh vegetables, and fruits can be consumed in small amounts, and fish can also be included appropriately. Nonetheless, avoid overindulgence to prevent a rise in uric acid levels, which could trigger an acute gout attack. Although most fish are low in purine, some deep-sea fish contain relatively higher purine levels, thus requiring caution before consumption.

Gout patients must rigorously manage their diet, avoiding excessive intake of high-purine foods like animal organs, seafood, and soy products. Additionally, abstaining from smoking and alcohol consumption aids in disease recovery.