Gout is a form of Arthritis in which uric acid crystals invade the joints, causing painful swelling. Gouty arthritis often affects only a single joint at one time, although it can affect multiple joints at once in some people. Fortunately, gout can often be controlled by changing your diet.Alkaline and Acidic FoodsThe first step to achieving an arthritis gout diet that keeps flare-ups at bay is to focus on foods that make your blood more alkaline and less acidic. Some specific foods that are naturally alkaline include alfalfa sprouts, millet, quinoa, melons, parsley, kohlrabi, and wheat grass. You should also focus your diet on healthy raw fruits and vegetables, since these are typically more alkaline than meats, dairy products, and cooked produce.Specific Useful Foods and DrinksThere are a few specific foods and drinks that every person with gout should add to an arthritis gout diet. Tart cherries are extremely useful for preventing attacks of gout. They can be eaten fresh, or you can try drinking tart cherry juice to get the same benefit. Bananas are another good food option for an arthritis gout diet. They are high in potassium, which keeps uric acid from forming into crystals that can attack the joints.Foods and Drinks to AvoidAvoiding foods that contribute to gout is just as important as consuming foods that help relieve gout. Foods that are high in purines, such as seafood, should be avoided. If you are on a diet to prevent gout attacks, you should also limit your meat consumption to only a few meals a week. Foods that are high in fat can also bring on an attack of gout, so keep fat levels low by avoiding fried foods and sticking to things that have been baked, steamed, or roasted. For many people with gout, alcohol and caffeine can also trigger attacks, so these should be eliminated from your arthritis gout diet as well.