Purines are substances found naturally in many foods, including healthy food products. In some people, purines are converted into uric acid when they are digested. A buildup of uric acid in your body can contribute to a condition know as gout, which is a form of arthritis that causes pain, redness and tenderness in the joints. If you are prone to gout, your physician may recommend eating a low-purine diet to reduce the amount of uric acid in your body. Discuss any dietary changes with your physician before making them.
Protein Sources
Beef, lamb, veal, pork, poultry, nuts and eggs are all low-purine foods and can be eaten on a daily basis. Low-fat dairy products also are considered low-purine foods, including low-fat milk, yogurt and cheeses. Most fish are low in purines, with the exception of herring.
Breads
Low-purine grain sources include enriched or refined breads such as cereals, rice, noodles, pasta and potatoes. You can consume whole grains in your diet, but you should limited them to two servings per week, because whole-grain foods are considered medium-purine foods.
Fruits and Vegetables
All fruits are low in purines, making them a good low-calorie option for you. However, you should limit avocados, because they are high in fat and can contribute to uric acid production. Most vegetables are okay to eat on a low-purine diet with a few exceptions. You should limit mushroom, dried peas, beans, spinach, asparagus and cauliflower in your diet because they contain medium purine levels. Avoid frying or preparing your vegetables with high-fat preparations like au gratin or cream sauces.
High-Purine Foods
Avoid high-purine foods in your diet. High-purine foods include beer and soft drinks that contain sugar. Avoid high-fat foods, including fatty food, organ meats, bacon, veal and venison. Other foods high in purines include gravy, anchovies, sardines, herring, mussels, codfish, scallops, trout and haddock. Avoid any foods that tend to aggravate your gout symptoms.
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