Two types of oily fish can cause ‘sharp crystals’ to form in joints

Arthritis comes in many forms but one of the most common is gout. Gout is caused by a build-up of a substance called uric acid in the blood. “If you produce too much uric acid or your kidneys don’t filter enough out, it can build up and cause tiny sharp crystals to form in and around joints. These crystals can cause the joint to become inflamed (red and swollen) and painful,” explains the NHS. Purines are substances found in certain foods that make uric acid in the body and certain oily fish have a high purine count.According to Holland and Barrett, oily fish, like trout and sardines, are high in purine, so overindulging may spark problems.According to the UK Gout Society, a purine-rich diet can trigger a five-fold increase in gout attacks.However, there is a trade-off here. Oily fish are an integral part of a heart-healthy diet.So the “overall health benefits of eating fish may outweigh the risks for people with gout”, notes health body the Mayo Clinic.READ MORE: Arthritis: Five cruciferous veg ‘block inflammatory process’ – backed by 10-year study Arthritis: Sardines and trouts are high in purine which can promote crystal build-up (Image: Getty Images)The health body adds: “Moderate portions of fish can be part of a gout diet.”Other foods high in purine include:Yeast extractSeafood, especially crab, mussels and prawnsFatty meats, such as liver and game.The risks posed by purine are well documented. Various purine-rich foods and high protein intake have long been thought to be risk factors for gout.Research published in The New England Journal of Medicine, found a higher risk of developing gout if you ate a lot of meat and seafood.DON’T MISSBlood clots warning: Four drinks to avoid [TIPS]The ‘first noticeable’ sign of cholesterol [INSIGHT]Pharyngitis top Covid sign in fully vaccinated [ADVICE] Gout triggers: Seafood can also cause painful crystals to form (Image: Getty Images) Gout alleviation: Researchers think that a healthy diet high in whole grains, fruit and veg can help (Image: Getty Images)You may have high levels of uric acid, but not have gout.It’s not clear why some people get gout and others don’t, but certain factors may make you more likely to have the condition.According to Bupa, you’re more likely to get gout if you:Are a man aged 30 to 60Are a woman who has been through the menopauseEat a diet that contains high levels of purines (for example, lots of meat and seafood)Drink too much alcohol, especially beerTake certain medicines such as diuretics (water tablets)Have a family history of goutHave kidney diseaseAre overweightHave diabetesHave high blood pressureHave severe psoriasis (itchy, dry and flaky skin), which can sometimes cause your body to produce too much uric acid.Gout affects more than one in every 50 people in the UK.