A somewhat antiquated treatment of gout, the purine-restricted diet is still sometimes used in conjunction with medical therapy to help resistant cases of this condition. It has also been prescribed to prevent formation of uric acid kidney stones in patients who are prone to this type of stone formation.
Conditions Treated
Ingestion of purines increases uric acid formation in the body. Uric acid can build up in joints, commonly fingers and toes, causing the painful condition known as gout. High concentration of uric acid in the kidneys may lead to kidney stone formation.
Sources of Dietary Purines
Purines are present in animal flesh, most highly concentrated in smaller animals and organ meats. Sardines and anchovies are much higher in purines, per ounce, than beef, chicken and other fish. Gravies and broth are also sources, as well as mushrooms, dried beans and lentils.
Adhering to the Low Purine Diet
Strict adherence is difficult and long-term compliance is poor: meat portions are restricted to 2 ozs. per day; small fish and organ meats are prohibited. Alcoholic beverages are restricted because they reduce the excretion of uric acid from the body.
Alternatives
Medications have been the therapy of choice for gout, as well as uric acid kidney stones, since the 1980s. Categories include those that block uric acid production, and those that improve the excretion of uric acid.
Modern Treatments
Since medications have proven to be exponentially more effective, and dietary compliance is not generally a viable option, the diet is more often used leniently, so that patient need only reduce the foods with high purine content in conjunction with medication therapy.
