Final answer:
People with gout should avoid high-purine foods to prevent the formation of uric acid crystals in joints and kidney stones. Xanthines in tea, coffee, and chocolate should also be avoided, and preventive strategies include dietary changes and proper hydration.
Step-by-step explanation:
Individuals who have gout should avoid high-purine foods because purines can be broken down into uric acid in the body. An excess of uric acid may lead to the formation of uric acid crystals, particularly in the joints, causing gouty arthritis, a painful condition. In addition, high uric acid levels in the blood can form kidney stones. Therefore, it's important for people with gout or kidney stones to avoid foods high in purines to reduce uric acid production.
Secondary gout may occur due to decreased excretion of uric acid as in renal failure. Certain foods like tea, coffee, and chocolate contain purine-like compounds known as xanthines and are suggested to be avoided by those who are prone to high uric acid conditions.
Prevention of gout includes dietary modifications and hydration. Drinking sufficient water and maintaining a diet low in protein, nitrogen and sodium help mitigate the risk. In some cases, medications like allopurinol are used to competitively inhibit the enzyme xanthine oxidase, thereby reducing uric acid formation.