Q I have been told that I suffer from gout which affects my big toe and is very painful. What can I do to avoid it?

A Gout is an extremely painful inflammation of the joints. It can affect anywhere but usually attacks the big toes or feet and ankles. It responds to anti-inflammatory medication which your doctor should prescribe and there is a medication to prevent it if you are having attacks more that once a month.

But usually, if you know what to avoid you should be able to manage it through diet alone. Foods to avoid include red meat, particularly game, offal, beef, pork and lamb. Also seafood, lentils, beans and peas and rhubarb.

Drinks to avoid are tea and coffee - limit them to three cups a day maximum and drink them weak. Unfortunately, beer is the major culprit as is red wine and port.

It is advisable to drink lots of water and losing weight helps a lot. So increase exercise and reduce food intake, particularly fats and sugars. Sorry - it's probably everything you like!

Updated: 09:19 Monday, March 11, 2002