Arthritis: The 5 Worst Meats That Cause Severe Flare-Ups

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It's important to replace these culprits with a varied diet high in whole grains, fruits, and vegetables to reduce the risk of flare-ups.

Arthritis is a general term for joint problems. One that many Britons suffer from is gout, a type of arthritis caused by the formation of sodium urate crystals in and around the joints, which can lead to sudden attacks of severe pain, heat and swelling.

It particularly affects the joints of the foot, especially the big toe, knee, ankle and wrist, as well as under the skin. Certain medications can trigger the painful symptoms of gout.

To understand why, it is important to first understand what causes gout.

The most common cause of gout is high levels of uric acid in the blood, known medically as hyperuricaemia.

Uric acid is a chemical produced when your body breaks down food and drink that contain organic compounds called purines. Purines are found in almost everything you eat and drink, but some foods contain more than others.

The “worst” foods for gout are foods high in sugar and fat, such as bacon, turkey, beef, veal, venison, and organ meats such as liver. Seafood is a culprit.

Scientists have found that higher levels of meat and seafood consumption are associated with an increased risk of gout, while higher levels of dairy consumption are associated with a reduced risk.