Purine is a substance produced naturally by the body, but it is also present in food. When your body breaks down purines, it also manufactures a waste product called uric acid. Normally this waste product exits your body in the form of urine, but in some cases, uric acid levels rise due to excess production. Gout is a type of arthritis that occurs when excess uric acid forms sharp painful crystals in the joints. It occurs most often in the big toe, but can also form in your wrists, ankles, hands and feet. Eating a diet low in purines will lower uric acid levels and reduce attacks of gout.
Animal Protein
All animal proteins contain purines, but some forms of animal protein contain higher levels. To decrease gout attacks, do not eat organ meats, such as liver, heart, kidney, brains and sweetbreads. Avoid game meats, including goose and duck, and do not consume mincemeat, gravy, broth, bouillon or meat extracts. Instead, eat animal proteins that contain lower levels of purines, such as chicken, turkey, lamb, pork and beef. Limit all animal proteins to 4 to 6 oz. per day.
Seafood
Avoid seafood that is high in purines. Do not eat anchovies, fish eggs, herring, mackerel, sardines, scallops or mussels. Choose alternate types of seafood, and do not consume more than 4 to 6 oz. of seafood per day.
Dairy
When consuming dairy products, choose low-fat or fat-free varieties. Drink plenty of milk, and eat products made with milk, such as yogurt. Dairy products may actually reduce your risk of gout, so aim for an intake of 16 to 24 oz. each day.
Carbohydrates
Consume whole grains, fruits and vegetables, but avoid the ones higher in purines. Do not eat asparagus, mushrooms, spinach, cauliflower or green peas. Oats, oatmeal, wheat germ, bran and whole-grain breads and cereals are a bit higher in purines, so consume these in small quantities until you know how you will react to them. The same goes for dried beans and peas. Fruits and fruit juices are low in purines and usually tolerated well.
Fluids
Aim for a fluid intake of 8 to 16 cups each day, and make plenty of it water. Consuming fluids can help flush uric acid out of your body. Do not drink alcohol, which can cause attacks of gout, especially beer. If you are not experiencing an acute attack of gout, you may get away with drinking a glass or two of wine, but consult with your doctor before trying this.
