Gout, an inflammatory arthritis typically found in men between age 40 and 50, and women after menopause, occurs when there is a build up of uric acid in the body that causes urate crystals to form, usually in the joints, resulting in pain, tenderness, and swelling, according to the Mayo Clinic. The body produces uric acid when the kidneys break down purines, substances found in the body and in certain foods, according to the Mayo Clinic; low purine diets that restrict high purine foods are usually recommended to patients who suffer from gout.
Fruits, Grains and Vegetables
Enriched grains such as white breads, cereal, and rice are low in purines and can be consumed without restriction in a low purine diet, while daily servings of whole grains, including oatmeal and wheat bran and germ should be limited, to about 1/4 cup, dry, per day of wheat bran or germ, and 2/3 of a cup, uncooked, per day of oatmeal, according to Tufts Medical Center's Eating Guide for a Low Purine Diet.
Most vegetables are okay to consume without restriction on a low purine diet; however, no more than 1/2 cup per day of mushrooms, cauliflower, spinach, asparagus, dried peas and beans, or green peas should be consumed. Fruits and fruit juices are generally allowed in a low purine diet, according to Tufts Medical Center's Eating Guide for a Low Purine Diet.
Dairy
Low-fat dairy products may be especially beneficial to gout patients, as these foods have been shown to be protective against developing gout, notes Dr. Susan J. Lee at the Center for Innovative Therapy, at the University of San Diego, in La Jolla, California, and colleagues in a review published March 2006, in the journal Current Opinion in Rheumatology. Low-fat and nonfat dairy sources, including low-fat yogurt and cheeses made with skim milk, and skim milk, are not restricted in low purine diets, according to Tufts Medical Center's Eating Guide for a Low Purine Diet.
Low Purine Diet Protein Sources
Red meats, poultry and fish should be limited to no more than 4 to 6 oz. per day, while peanut butter, nut butters, nuts, and eggs don't need to be avoided or restricted in a low purine diet, according to Tufts Medical Center's Eating Guide for a Low Purine Diet.
High Purine Foods to Avoid
Seafood as well as organ meats, such as liver, and beef, lamb and pork contain the highest levels of purines and should be restricted or avoided, according to a study by Dr. Hyon Choi at the Rheumatology Unit, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, and colleagues, published in the March 2004 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine. Meat extracts, sauces and gravies made with meat, as well as Baker's and Brewer's yeast or soup stocks made with bouillon should all be avoided in a low purine diet, according to Tufts Medical Center's Eating Guide for a Low Purine Diet.
Beverages and Other Foods
Alcohol and beer should be avoided or limited, but low fat milk, cocoa, coffee, and tea can be consumed in a low purine diet; seasoning items such as salt, gelatin, herbs, spices, and sugar can be part of a low purine diet as well, according to Tufts Medical Center's Eating Guide for a Low Purine Diet.
References
- Mayo Clinic Gout: Causes
- Mayo Clinic Gout: Risk Factors
- Tufts University Medical Center: Low Purine Diet
- "Current Opinion in Rheumatology": Recent Developments in Diet and Gout; S.J. Lee; March, 2006.
- "New England Journal of Medicine"; Purine-Rich Foods, Dairy and Protein Intake, and the Risk of Gout in Men; H. Choi, et al.; March 2004
