It has long been claimed that foods rich in purines should be avoided by gout sufferers.
Purines contribute to the creation of uric acid in the blood stream.
This uric acid is filtered by the kidneys and is then passed via urine.
Excess uric acid converts to needle-like crystals that build in the joints.
This leads to inflammation, redness, swelling and unbearable pain.
So what are the foods to avoid with gout? Following is a list of foods high in Purines.
Foods High in Purines

• offal eg.
  heart, liver, kidney etc
• herring
• trout
• sardines
• anchovies
• mussels
• yeast, including beer
• sweetbreads
• mutton
• veal
• bacon
• salmon
• turkey
• goose
• haddock
• pheasant
• scallops

Given that the above list includes some food groups that are also essential in a good diet, how do we achieve the balance??? Like anything, moderation is the key.
I, personally, have found that not all these foods bring on an attack of gout.
My "must avoid" foods are prawns, cured red meat ie.
corned beef and for some strange reason - tomatoes!! Tomatoes are not high in purines but for some strange reason they are a "no go" for me.
Go figure! I probably should include beer as well, but 1 or 2 beers occasionally is something I'm just not prepared to sacrifice! So while it is helpful to understand what foods to avoid with gout, not all of the above will cause problems.
It's a case of trial and error for each individual.
OK now we know what foods to avoid with gout, a balanced diet, according to the American Medical Association, for people suffering with gout include foods:

• High in complex carbohydrates (whole grains, fruits, vegetables)
• Low in protein (15% of calories and sources should be soy, lean meats, poultry)
• No more than 30% of calories from fat (to a maximum 10% derived from animal fat)

So remember, most things in moderation and trial and error will start to determine the foods you personally should avoid.
Good luck, make the choice and today could be the first day of your "gout free" life!!