Purines are naturally occurring substances found in the body and in many foods. Purines are a vital as they provide part of the chemical structure of our genes. Almost all food contains some purine. However, there are a small number of foods which contain concentrated levels of purines. While purines in the body are necessary, high levels of purines in the blood are contraindicated and can result in elevated waste products such as uric acid.
Purine Rich Diet
According to the Cholesterol Database, purines are released and broken down to form uric acid when cells die. High purines in the diet result in excessive uric acid in the blood. While uric acid has beneficial properties, such as its antioxidant and free-radical scavenger effect, when it accumulates to high levels, it is associated with health problems such as gout. Therefore, the consumption of purine rich foods is associated with a high risk of developing gout.
Gout
Gout is a complex form of arthritis which is characterized by sudden, severe attacks of pain, redness and tenderness in joints, especially the joint at the base of the big toe, according to MayoClinic.com. The affected joint is often hot, swollen and tender. Gout can cause more serious conditions including recurrent gout, when individuals experience gout several times per year; advanced gout in which untreated gout results in deposits of urate crystals which form nodules under the skin; and kidney stones or the collection of urate crystals in the urinary tract.
High Purine Foods
Health in Plain English explains that purine rich foods are primarily foods high in protein, such as animal products. High purine food sources include organ meat such as liver, kidney and brain; red meat; other meat products including bacon, veal, venison and turkey; yeast; gravy; fish, especially mackerel, herring, sardines, codfish, trout, haddock, and anchovies; and shellfish such as scallops and mussels. Foods with moderate purine levels include shellfish including lobster, shrimp, crab and oysters; certain vegetables like asparagus, mushrooms and spinach; and legumes such as kidney and lima beans.
Foods to Avoid
Family Doctor states that high purine content foods do not have to be completely avoided; however, they should be consumed in moderation. If you suffer from gout, a further purine restriction may be beneficial. Foods to consume in moderation include beer, soft drinks with excess sugar, fatty foods, gravies, yeast products, organ meats, bacon and certain fish. Foods to limit with moderate purine content include chicken, beef, and pork; lobster, crab and shrimp; deli meats and liquor.
A Healthy Diet
According to Gloria Tsang, RD, of Health Castle, a healthy diet is one that is low in high purine content foods. In addition, drinking between 2 to 3 liters of fluid, especially water, daily will help dilute uric acid levels even when high amounts of purine are consumed. Individuals should limit fat by choosing lean cuts of meat and preparing food with healthy oils. The most important dietary advice is to consume an adequate amount of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and low-fat dairy products. Tsang recommends following a well-balanced diet and losing excess body.
