Purines are in many commonly consumed foods. When your body breaks down purines it creates uric acid. Most uric acid dissolves in your blood, travels to your kidneys and is eliminated through your urine. Too much uric acid can result in gout or kidney stones.
Purine Diet
According to the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, purines make up 15 percent of the uric acid found in your body. A doctor may suggest you eat a low-purine diet if you have kidney stones or gout to decrease your uric acid levels. Both gout and one of the four major types of kidney stones, uric acid stones, occur when there is too much uric acid in the body. A low-purine diet, in combination with medication from your doctor, may help control the production and elimination of uric acid; possibly preventing future attacks.
What to Avoid
You primarily want to avoid high-purine foods and foods with a lot of fat. The University of Pittsburgh Medical Center reports that fat holds onto uric acid in your kidneys. Foods high in purines include organ meats, such as liver and kidney, and seafood like scallops, sardines, anchovies and muscles. High-fat foods to avoid include high-fat breads such as pancakes, biscuits and French fries. You should also limit your alcohol intake, as alcohol increases purine production and uric acid levels.
What to Consume
You should eat low-fat carbohydrates, as carbs help your body remove extra uric acid. This includes cereals, rice, pasta and oatmeal. Drinking 8 to 12 cups of fluid such as water can help reduce the formation of kidney stones. All fruit and juices are low-purine options, as is skim or low-fat milk and yogurt, most vegetables, and up to 6 oz. of beef, pork, poultry, fish, eggs, nuts or peanut butter daily.
Significance
Following a low-purine diet may be an easy way for you to prevent gout and kidney stones, two very painful conditions, while potentially helping you maintain a healthy weight. Furthermore, many recommendations that are part of a low-purine diet are similar to the healthy eating plan many doctors recommend all people consume.
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