Uric acid is a substance the body manufactures when it breaks down foods that contain purine. Purine is a natural compound found in nearly all food, but some foods contain high purine levels. Too much uric acid in the body can lead to a condition called hyperuricemia, better known as gout. If you have gout, you have a build up of uric acid in your joints. It is a painful condition, treated with medication and dietary changes. Pre-menopausal women tend to have lower levels of uric acid than men and are at lower risk of developing gout, according to MayoClinic.com.
Meat and Sweetbread
To avoid uric acid buildups, avoid meat and sweetbreads, or organ meats. Foods with high purine content include bacon, venison, liver, kidneys, veal, mincemeat, according to Litholink, a kidney stone treatment center. Red meat and poultry have moderate amounts of purine. The gravy made from meat or sweetbreads also has a high purine content and can contribute to uric acid buildup. Foods with high purine levels contain 100 to 1,000 of purine in every 3-oz. serving. Foods with moderate levels of purine have 9 to 100 mg in every 3-oz. serving.
Fish and Poultry
In general, fish and poultry have a moderate purine content, but certain types of fish and poultry have a very high purine content. Partridge, goose, anchovies, cod, herring, haddock, mackerel, mussels, caviar, sardines and scallops all have very high purine content and can lead to uric acid buildup. Oysters, clams, lobster, chicken and turkey have moderate levels of purine. Consume plant or soy-based protein to avoid uric acid buildup. Tofu, nuts, and seeds are all viable sources of protein.
Vegetables, Beans and Lentils
Although vegetables, beans and lentils are excellent sources of dietary fiber, they can also contribute to uric acid buildup. Died beans, peas and lentils all have moderate levels of purine. Cauliflower, spinach, asparagus and mushrooms can also contribute to uric acid buildup due to their purine content. Besides avoiding high purine foods, you can limit your buildup of uric acid by maintaining a healthy body weight. Obesity is also a risk factor for gout.
