Purines are chemicals that occur naturally in many foods, but their levels are particularly high in meat and many kinds of fish, according to FamilyDoctor.org. When you digest purines, they produce uric acid, which can form crystals that build up in the joints. These crystals may cause gout, a painful form of arthritis. Eating a diet low in purines is a good way to reduce gout symptoms and prevent future attacks.
Dairy Products
Low- or non-fat dairy products are low in purines and a healthy addition to a diet aimed at preventing gout, according to MayoClinic.com. Good choices include skim milk, reduced-fat cheeses or ice cream and yogurt. Studies show that drinking skim or low-fat milk, or foods made from them, such as soups or pudding, can reduce the risk of gout, according to MayoClinic.com.
Plant Proteins
Since many animal proteins are high in purines, switch to plant proteins, which are much lower in purines, according to MayoClinic.com. Good options include beans, lentils, peanut butter, nuts and soybeans or soy products like tofu or soy milk. Eating plant proteins can also help you lose weight if you are overweight, which can reduce gout symptoms as well.
Other Foods
Eggs are a good source of animal protein that are low in purines and safe to eat if you have gout, according to FamilyDoctor.org. Most fruits and vegetables are also low in purines; even those that do have some purine, like mushrooms and asparagus, have moderate levels. Most carbohydrates like rice, pasta, breads and cereals are also low in purines. But exceptions exist, such as wheat germ, bran and whole grain products, which have moderate levels of purines. You do not need to completely eliminate all purines for gout; you can eat some foods with moderate levels of purines, according to FamilyDoctor.org.
