Painful joint inflammation may be due to uric acid build-up caused by eating too many purines in your food. Purines are found in the body's cells and in most of the foods we eat. The liver metabolizes purines into uric acid. When uric acid builds up to over 7 mg/dL, kidney stones and the painful joint inflammation, or gout, commonly occur. Low-purine diets are helpful for kidney-stone and gout sufferers to reduce inflammation, as well as for those who have undergone organ transplants.
Joint Inflammation
Your immune system fights off bacteria, toxins and injury to your joints by releasing chemicals like histamine and serotonin, which increase swelling around the affected area, inherently trapping the foreign bodies, keeping them from damaging other tissue. Excess purines that cause uric acid build-up can cause this immune response. Needle-like crystals that build up within the joint due to high levels of uric acid cause gout; severe inflammation can last a week or more. A low-purine diet may help alleviate the symptoms.
Recommended Low-Purine Foods
To lessen the symptoms of inflammation, doctors recommend a low-purine diet. You can have most grains, vegetables, fruit and dairy in moderation. Recommended foods include eggs, enriched breads, rice, potatoes, non-alcoholic beverages, and low-fat soups, sweets and seasonings. Consult with you doctor to determine the best foods for your condition.
Foods to Avoid
Stay clear of organ meat such as animal liver, spleen, heart and lungs. Fatty fish like sardines and mackerel contain a higher concentration of purines than moderate-range purine fish like salmon, halibut, anchovy or cod. Mushrooms, certain legumes, including peas, spinach and asparagus should also be avoided. Limit meats to no more than 3 oz. per meal, as limit high-fat foods and condiments.
Pointers
When you have gout, you shouldn't crash diet; instead, consume a balanced amount of carbohydrates. Carbs help rid your body of excess uric acid. Lose weight slowly, per your physician's instructions, as quick weight-loss increases uric acid levels. Don't take yeast supplements unless your doctor has advised you to do so. Drink plenty of fluid, preferably water, to possibly dilute uric acid build-up and keep kidney stones from forming.
References
- University of Pittsburgh Medical Center; Low-Purine Diet; March 2011
- University of Maryland Medical Center; Gout Introduction; Harvey Simon, MD; Feb. 14, 2009
- University of Maryland Medical Center; Immune Response Overview; David C. Dugdale, III, MD; May 1, 2008
- Cedars-Sinai Hospital: Gout
- Acumedico Chinese Medicine: Schmuel Halevi, PhD: Purine Table
