Gout is a condition caused by excess uric acid in the blood. Uric acid is the result of the breakdown of purines in our body. Purine is an organic compound found in all human tissue and many foods. Excessive uric acid can be caused by either the body's own overproduction of uric acid or its inability to properly eliminate uric acid through the kidneys. Also, excessive eating of foods high in purine can result in high levels of uric acid in the blood. Symptoms of gout include swollen joints; proneness to kidney stones; and in most people, acute and debilitating pain. Thus, it is important to follow a low-purine or purine-free diet to prevent the worsening of the symptoms of gout.
Very low-purine foods
There are many food options that are very low in purines that you can choose from and enjoy with freedom. Also, most of these foods are very healthy in that they have a lot of vitamins and minerals. It is important to maintain your overall health to prevent symptoms from worsening or the disease from progressing. In terms of grains, breads, pasta, rice, cornbread and popcorn are all low-purine foods. All dairy foods are also low in purines. Just remember to choose the low-fat or fat-free alternative of your favorite dairy product since these have less fat and calories. All fruits, also, have very low purine concentrations and can be enjoyed freely. As for vegetables, all vegetables except asparagus, cauliflower, spinach, mushrooms and green peas are low in purine content. In terms of proteins, eggs, nuts and peanut butter are the only protein foods that have a low purine count and as for soups, any soup that has no meat products qualifies as having low concentrations of purine.
Moderate-purine foods
Moderate-purine foods are those that have moderate amounts of purine and thus should be eaten in small portions. Oatmeal, for example, has a moderate amount of purines in it and should not be eaten in a portion larger than 2/3 of a cup (uncooked) per day. In terms of protein, meat and poultry, crab, lobster, oysters and shrimp consumption should be limited to one or two servings per day, and intake of legumes such as dried beans, lentils and chickpeas should be limited to one cup daily. As for eating vegetables, do not eat more than half a cup a day of asparagus, cauliflower, spinach, mushrooms and green peas.
High-Purine Foods
Although no foods should be completely avoided to ensure a variety of nutrients are consumed, foods that have high concentrations of purine should be limited. These foods include anchovies, sardines, herring, mussels, codfish, scallops, tuna, haddock and trout, as well as bacon and other organ meats. Also, alcoholic beverages cause a rise or uric acid in the blood and should be limited or completely avoided. Avoiding foods that are high in purines will help you prevent a rise in uric acid in the blood and the exacerbation of gout symptoms. This is especially important if your uric acid elimination is below optimum levels.
References
- American Dietetic Association: Low Purine or Purine-Restricted Nutrition Therapy
- Nelms, Succher, Long. Nutrition Therapy and Pathophysiology.2007
