Purines are substances that occur naturally in your body and many foods. Consuming excessive amounts of purines can pose problems if you have gout -- a form of arthritis in which uric acid accumulates in one or more of your joints, or kidney stones-- deposits, often containing uric acid, that develop in your kidneys. In addition to medical treatment for these conditions, such as anti-inflammatory or pain-relieving medications, limiting or avoiding purine-rich foods may help improve your symptoms.
Meats
A variety of meats have a high purine level, or roughly 150 to 1,000mg per 100g of food. Meats highest in purines include organ meats, such as liver, kidney, heart and brains and sweetbreads. Meat extracts, found in gravy, soups and other meat-flavored sauces, are also high in purines. Meats moderately high in purines, or containing 50 to 150mg per 100g, include beef, veal, lamb, pork and poultry. To keep your purine intake low, the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center recommends avoiding all high-purine meats and limiting poultry, beef and other moderately high purine meats to two servings per week.
Fish and Seafood
Fish and seafood also high levels of purine. Varieties with high purine concentration include sardines, mussels, scallops and anchovies. Most fish, including salmon, tuna, cod, halibut, mackerel, flounder, trout, catfish and herring, and seafood, such as shrimp, lobster and clams, are moderately high in purines. MayoClinic.com recommends replacing fish, seafood and other animal-derived protein sources with plant-based protein sources, such as legumes and low-fat dairy products, for improved gout symptoms. Because fatty fish, such as salmon, tuna and sardines, are valuable sources of omega-3 fatty acids -- essential fats associated with reduced inflammation and positive heart-health -- seeking other sources of omega-3 fats, such as flaxseed, walnuts and canola oil, which are low in purine content, may prove helpful.
Yeast
Brewer's and baker's yeast are raising agents used in most breads, alcoholic beverages and a variety of other foods. Because both forms of yeast have high levels of purines, the University of Pittsburgh recommends limiting or avoiding alcohol and baked goods, such as enriched breads, pastries, muffins, doughnuts, cookies and cakes. These foods are also typically high in fat and/or added sugars, and low in vitamins, minerals and fiber. For this reason, replacing these foods with nutritious alternatives, such as whole grains, fruits and vegetables, may improve your uric acid levels and your overall wellness.
