Purines are a substance that's naturally present in the body. When digested, they turn into uric acid, which is actually helpful in preserving the health and vitality of your blood vessels. However, when too many are present, they can crystallize and result in conditions like gout. To manage gout or avoid it all together, foods high in purines must be avoided.
Uric Acid and Gout
After eating foods very high in purines, your body may not be able to process the uric acid that results properly, causing a build up of the substance. Uric acid crystals might settle in the joints, causing gout, which manifests itself as very painful joints that swell up and turn red with inflammation. If not treated, gout can cause permanent damage to your joints.
Moderately-High Purine Foods
Some foods don't contain very high purine levels, but might still be dangerous to those who are susceptible to gout. These foods include pork, ham, spinach, chicken, mutton, shellfish, carp, goose, lobster, duck, lamb, oatmeal, beef, venison, peas, salmon, cauliflower, bouillon and crab.
Very High Purine Foods
If you suffer from gout, there are certain foods you should stay away from altogether. Foods with very large quantities of purines in them include mussels, brains, sweetbreads, anchovies, mincemeat, gravies, liver, sardines, herring, kidney, mackerel and other organ meats.
