Uric acid is a substance that is primarily formed by the breakdown of purines in the blood. When your body cannot expel excess uric acid form the blood, the acid can accumulate in areas, especially your joints, leading to gout, a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by extreme bouts of pain. A diet high in purines will lead to high uric acid levels, known as hyperuricemia.
Meats
Since purines are found in animal proteins, meats, especially red meats, contain considerable amounts of purines. Limit your consumption of red meat to 4 to 6 oz. daily. Meats especially high in purine content include liver, kidney, poultry, lamb and fish, which all contain more than 100 mg of purines per 100 g of food.
Seafood
Many types of seafood also contain high levels of purines. Anchovies, sardines, salmon, mackerel, clams, herring, shrimp and tuna should all be eaten in moderation to control your blood's uric acid level. Anchovies and sardines are especially high in purines, containing more than 300 mg per 100 g of food.
Alcoholic Drinks
Alcoholic drinks can affect your uric acid levels because they can interfere with your body's removal of it. According to MayoClinic.com, beer especially has been linked to gout attacks caused by excess uric acid levels. Drinking one or two servings of wine however, has not been shown to increase your chance of an attack.
Lowering Uric Acid With Beverages
According to MayoClinic.com, dairy products have been shown to decrease your risk of a gout attack caused by excess uric acid in the blood. Several dairy servings, including skim milk, will help control your uric acid level. Water also helps clear uric acid from the blood. Drink at least eight glasses per day.
Lowering Uric Acid With Food
Low-fat yogurt is a dairy product that can help lower your acute urate levels. Choose whole-grain bread, rice and cereals over refined carbohydrates. A diet of plant-based proteins, such as legumes and beans, will help decrease your risk factors for gout caused by high levels of uric acid.
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