Can people with gout eat beef or mutton?

Patients with gout are advised to avoid beef and mutton. Gouty arthritis flares are triggered by hyperuricemia—elevated serum uric acid levels resulting from abnormal purine metabolism—which can precipitate acute arthritic attacks. Beef and mutton are high-purine foods; although flavorful, excessive consumption of such foods may trigger gouty arthritis flares and worsen disease progression. Moreover, severe or prolonged hyperuricemia increases the risk of tophi formation. Patients with gout are encouraged to follow a low-purine diet, including dairy products (e.g., milk), eggs, and cereals (e.g., rice, steamed buns). They may also consume fresh fruits and vegetables and should drink ample fluids—such as plain water or alkaline mineral water—to promote uric acid excretion.