Question: How can I tell which dietary information is correct? If you read all the information in the paper and some magazines, it seems to be repetitive or contradictory. As a result I am very confused. Your opinion would be appreciated.
It is easier to tell which information is incorrect, rather than which is correct. If the therapist or adviser you are consulting recommends two or more of the following points (ALL OF WHICH ARE INCORRECT)—beware!
• Most disease is due to a faulty diet.
• Most Australians are poorly nourished.
• Chemical fertilizers result in less nourishing food.
• He or she recommends you to buy something you would not otherwise purchase.
• Modern processing and storage remove all nutrition from food.
• Food additives and preservatives will poison you.
• Your need for nutrients increases with stress.
• Vitamins supplements can replace good food.
• You should take enzyme supplements.
• Everybody needs vitamin supplements.
• Natural vitamins are better than synthetic ones.
• Vitamins are never harmful.
• Sugar is poisonous.
• It is easy to lose weight with the (often expensive) plan.
• A quick, dramatic cure is guaranteed.
• Non-vitamins (eg. B15, B17) are recommended.

Question: What foods cause gout?
Gout is caused by the inefficient disposal of certain types of food wastes through the kidneys.
No particular foods actually cause gout, but once you develop the disease, certain foods should be avoided to prevent excess levels of uric acid (the waste product that causes the disease) from building up. These foods include beer, liver, kidneys, sweetbreads, herring, sardines, anchovies, meat extracts, turkey, prawns and shellfish. Unfortunately, this means the end of beer and prawn nights for gout sufferers!
Otherwise you should eat normally, but don’t eat excessive amounts of fatty foods.