Uric acid is the end product of purine breakdown in the body. According to "Krause's Food, Nutrition & Diet Therapy," a diet low in purine is often recommended for the treatment of gout; the buildup of uric acid in the joints, which causes inflammation; and pain and swelling. Uric-acid buildup can be a result of excess dietary consumption, but it is more likely the result of endogenous formation.
Features
"Modern Nutrition in Health and Disease" states that for a diet low in uric acid, foods lower in purine can be consumed with no restriction. Such foods include white grains, carbonated beverages, cheese, chocolate, eggs, fruits, vegetables, milk, nuts, margarine, oils, butter, tea and coffee.
Purine
Foods moderate in purine content can be consumed at a maximum of one serving daily when following a low uric-acid diet. Such foods include meat, fish, poultry, shellfish, asparagus, mushrooms, peas, spinach, beans and lentils. One serving would equate to 3 oz. of meat, poultry or fish or 1/2 cup of vegetables.
Warning
Foods high in purine should be avoided when following a low uric-acid diet. Foods high in purine include anchovies, herring, mackerel, mussels, roe, sardines, scallops, organ meats such as heart, liver, kidney and brain, goose, partridge, baker's and brewer's yeast. Alcohol can raise blood uric-acid levels and should be avoided or consumed in moderation.
Weight Loss
A healthy weight is important for those following a low uric-acid diet as weight loss helps to decrease blood uric-acid levels. For individuals looking to lose weight and decrease uric-acid levels, a gradual weight-loss plan that avoids fasting is optimal, as rapid weight loss and fasting will increase uric acid.
Considerations
Drink plenty of foods if you are on a diet low in uric acid. About 3 liters per day is optimal. Moderate amounts of dietary protein and foods low in purine content are key to a diet low in uric acid. "Modern Nutrition in Health and Disease" suggests that if an individual is following a low uric-acid diet because of a gout diagnosis, a diet low in saturated and trans fats and cholesterol is also recommended.
References
- "Krause's Food, Nutrition, & Diet Therapy, 11th edition"; L. Kathleen Mahan & Sylvia Escott-Stump; 2004
- "Modern Nutrition in Health and Disease, 10th edition"; Maurice E. Shils et al.; 2006
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