Foods Providing High Uric Acid

The body creates uric acid during the metabolism of purines, a type of protein found in food and drinks. In most people, uric acid is cleared by the kidneys and excreted in the urine. In other people, the kidneys cannot remove all the uric acid, which builds up in the blood causing hyperuricemia and illness, according to Medline Plus. Certain foods that contain high amounts of purines can cause a high level of uric acid in these people.

Foods Very High in Purines

According to L. Kathleen Mahan, MS, RD, CDE, and Sylvia Escott-Stump MA, RD, the authors of "Krause's Food, Nutrition and Diet Therapy," people who suffer from gout should avoid foods high in purines. Gout is a genetic disorder characterized by altered purine metabolism, which leads to high levels of uric acid in the blood. MayoClinic.com says the uric acid crystals from the blood then accumulate around the joints, causing a painful arthritis. Foods high in purines include anchovies, mackerel, bouillon, brains, broth, consommé, goose, gravy, heart, herring, kidney, meat extracts, mincemeat, mussels, partridge, roe, sardines, scallops, sweetbreads, and brewer's and baker's yeast.

Foods Moderately High in Purines

Mahan and Escott-Stump recommend people who have gout limit foods that are moderately high in purines. MayoClinic.com says an overall low purine diet helps to limit the production and elimination of uric acid which in turn helps prevent gout attacks. Such foods include include fish, poultry, meat, shellfish, asparagus, dried beans, lentils, mushrooms, dried peas, and spinach. Mahan and Escott-Stump suggest that people with gout limit their intake to 2 to 3 ounces of meat, fish and fowl per day, and a ½ cup serving of the high-purine vegetables per day. They go on to say that while purine in food does not significantly contribute to the uric acid in the blood, limiting purines in the diet can reduce metabolic stress for those with gout and may reduce their need for medications. In addition, MayoClinic.com suggests that a low-purine diet will help decrease the number and severity of gout attacks, while improving overall health.

Alcohol

According to Medscape, people who drink beer and liquor are at greater risk for developing gout. Mahan and Escott-Stump report that ethanol does increase uric acid production, although it does not contain purines. They suggest that people who have high levels of uric acid in their blood, such as those with gout, should avoid alcohol, especially beer.