A purine-restricted diet is most commonly followed by individuals with gout, according to the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. This is not a diet used to cure disease, but rather a diet that limits the consumption of foods high in purines. Consult a registered dietitian for the healthiest food options based on your condition.
Purines
Purines are compounds found in a variety of foods, mainly animal proteins. In the body, purines are metabolized and broken down into uric acid. The University of Pittsburgh Medical Center notes that purines result in 15 percent of the uric acid content found within the body. Therefore, limiting foods rich in purine can lead to a lower uric acid content.
Diet Significance
Individuals who consume foods that are high in purines, have higher uric acid levels. Elevated uric acid levels lead to a variety of complications such as kidney stones and gout, according to the UPMC. People with excess uric acid levels may also suffer from arthritis due to the accumulation of uric acid levels in the joints and tissues, reports the The University of Rochester Medical Center. For these reasons, a purine-restricted diet may be recommended by a health care provider to decrease uric acid levels in the blood. The URMC notes that individuals suffering from gout, Lesch-Nyhan Syndrome, and diabetic nephropathy are often recommend a purine-restricted diet.
Nutrition
A non-restricted diet typically contains 600 to 1,000 mg of purines daily. However, a diet that restricts or limits purines may only contain 100 to 150 mg daily, according to the Kidney Stone Treatment and Prevention Centers. Individuals following a purine-restricted diet may consume a variety of healthy food options that still provide essential vitamins and minerals. All dairy products are acceptable in a non-purine diet, according to the American Dietetic Association. Examples of acceptable dairy products include low-fat or nonfat milk, cheese and yogurt. The ADA notes that all fruits and vegetables such as melons, citrus fruits, berries and dark green leafy vegetables are considered low-purine foods. Fruits and vegetables also provide great sources of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and dietary fiber. Whole-grain breads, pasta, rice and cereals are other low-purine foods. The University of Pittsburgh Medical Center recommends six to 11 servings of breads and three to four servings of fruits and vegetables daily for individuals following a purine-restricted diet. Eggs, peanut butter, nuts and a variety of legumes are also acceptable. However, the ADA recommends limiting legumes such as beans, lentils and peas to only 1 cup per day.
Foods to Avoid
Purines are found in the highest concentrations in foods such as sardines, anchovies, mackerel and organ meats, according to the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. Examples of organ meats include liver, kidney, brains and heart. Certain types of seafood and fish are also high in purines. Herring, codfish, shrimp and scallops are very high in purines, notes the Kidney Stone Treatment and Prevention Centers. Foods that are high in fat such as fried foods, creamy sauces and desserts should also be avoided, according to the UPMC.
Considerations
Beer, wine and other alcoholic beverages contain high purines and should also be limited, reports the American Dietetic Association. The Kidney Stone Treatment and Prevention Centers recommend drinking a glass of water before and after every meal. Consuming eight to 12 cups of water daily is important for reducing uric acid levels and kidney stone formation, according to the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. Restricting calorie consumption and maintaining a healthy weight is important for reducing uric acid levels and promoting overall health, according to the University of Rochester Medical Center.
