Low Purine Diet Food List

The kidneys break down purines, naturally occurring substances found in the body and in foods, into uric acid in the body, according to the Mayo Clinic. Low purine diets are typically recommended to patients suffering from gout, a type of inflammatory arthritis most common in men over age 40, that's caused by excess uric acid in the joints, according to the Mayo Clinic. Low purine diets are also recommended for people suffering from uric acid kidney stones, notes the National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Clearinghouse (NKUDIC), a service of the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK).

Grains

Foods low in purine include enriched grains such as white rice and bread, and cereals, while whole grains such as wheat bran and wheat germ should be limited to about 1/4 cup, dry, per day; and oatmeal, limited to 2/3 of a cup, uncooked, per day, according to Tufts Medical Center's Eating Guide for a Low Purine Diet.

Eggs, Peanut Butter and Nuts

Eggs, peanut butter and nuts don't need to be restricted or avoided in a low purine diet, and typically red meats, poultry and fish should be limited to no more than 4 to 6 ounces per day, according to Tufts Medical Center. Animal proteins such as poultry contain moderate purine levels, while seafood and organ meats, such as liver, as well as beef, pork and lamb contain the highest concentrations of purines and should be restricted or avoided, according to a study by Dr. Hyon Choi and colleagues, published in the March 2004 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.

Fruits and Low Purine Vegetables

Fruits and fruit juices in general can be consumed when on a low purine diet, according to Tufts Medical Center. Except for mushrooms, dried peas and beans, green peas, cauliflower and asparagus, which should be limited to no more than 1/2 cup per day, all other vegetables are recommended in a low purine diet, according to Tufts Medical Center.

Low and Non-Fat Dairy

Low-fat and nonfat dairy products such as skim milks, low-fat yogurt and cheeses made with skim milk, are a source of protein that's not restricted in low purine diets, according to Tufts Medical Center. Low-fat dairy products have also been shown to have a protective effect against developing gout, notes Dr. Susan J. Lee and colleagues in a review published March 2006, in the journal Current Opinion in Rheumatology.

Beverages and Seasonings

Low fat milk, coffee, teas and cocoa are part of a low purine diet, while alcohol and beer should be limited or avoided in a low purine diet, according to Tufts Medical Center. Salt, spices, herbs, gelatin and sugar are OK in a low purine diet, but restrict or avoid consuming Baker's and Brewer's yeast as well as soups made with stocks such as bouillon, notes Tufts Medical Center.