Diet For People With High Uric Acid

Uric acid, or urate, is a waste product normally present in the blood as a result of the breakdown of purines, a structure common in the genetic material of both plants and humans. When your body is unable to rid itself of excess uric acid, it can result in gout, a condition where uric crystals build up in your joints, causing extreme bouts of pain. Following a healthy diet low in purines, you can help clear your system of excess uric acid. Consult your doctor if your condition persists or worsens, and before beginning any new diet.

Meats

Limit your consumption of meat, particularly that from organs such as liver, which contain high levels of purines. Seafood is also high in purines; avoid it when possible. Liver, kidney, poultry, anchovies, herring, sardines, shrimp, mackerel and salmon are examples of foods with high levels of purines --- more than 100 milligrams per 100 grams of food.

Alcohol

Avoid drinking alcohol, particularly beer, which can interfere with the removal of uric acid from the blood. Research published in the journal "The Lancet" in 2004 found that alcohol intake is strongly associated with an increased risk of gout. The study noted, however, that drinking moderate amounts of wine has not been associated with an increased risk.

Water

Drink plenty of fluids. Water particularly helps clear uric acid from your system. Stay hydrated by drinking water gradually throughout the day. Aim for eight to 16 8-ounce glasses a day, the May Clinic advises.

Dairy

Drink skim milk and eat low-fat yogurt daily --- 16 to 24 fluid ounces combined. A study by the Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences at the University of Auckland concluded that milk has an acute urate-lowering effect. The study, published in 2010 in the journal "Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases," encourages the investigation of milk's long-term effects for preventing hyperuricemia and gout.

Vegetables, Fruits and Carbohydrates

Avoid vegetables high in purines, including spinach, asparagus, cauliflower and mushroom. Eat fruits such as apples, oranges and bananas, all low in purines. Carbohydrate-rich foods including rice, cereal, chocolate, bread, grains and pasta are also low in purines.