Gout is a real pain in the toe. It strikes when crystals of uric acid build up in a joint and irritate the surrounding tissue. Where do they come from? Components in the diet! Foods which contain compounds called purines are the usual culprits. Organ meats, sardines, anchovies, mackerel, asparagus, mushrooms and beans fall into this category. Alcohol is also a no-no. Drinking lots of water, on the other hand, is great. Sour cherries as well as blueberries contain anti-inflammatory substances that can ease gout, or so some people claim. Not as effective as colchicine, which believe it or not, is derived from the autumn crocus!
