A low-purine diet manages gout and other medical conditions that stem from a buildup of uric acid. Purine is a naturally-occurring substance in food that breaks down in your body as uric acid, high levels of which are associated with gout and kidney stones. Treatment involves lowering the levels of uric acid with medication and dietary changes that limit your purine intake. Speak with your health care provider and dietitian to determine your specific medical needs.
Beverages
You may not notice the restrictions of the low purine when it comes to beverages. A low-purine diet permits the consumption of most beverages. Choices include coffee, tea, soda and fruit juice. Fluid intake needs on this diet range from eight to 12 glasses per day. However, you do need to avoid alcohol, since it causes gout flare ups, according to the Myrtue Medical Center. The center recommends that you consult with your health care provider before consuming any alcohol. Alcohol, particularly beer, has moderate to high amounts of purine, according to Drugs.com.
Dairy
Low-fat dairy options may be consumed on a low-purine diet. Choices include low-fat and fat-free cheeses and skim or 1 percent milk. Drugs.com cautions that you should limit the amount of milk you drink to 24 oz. a day.
Carbohydrates
According to the Myrtue Medical Center, at least 50 percent of all the calories you consume in a day should come from carbohydrates when adhering to a low-purine diet. Its recommendation includes eating six to 10 servings of bread or starchy foods with five servings of fruits and vegetables per day. Breads and cereals should be low fiber, white flour or refined grain types. Pasta and macaroni are other allowable carbohydrate choices. Only eat a 1/2 cup serving of asparagus, cauliflower, mushrooms and spinach when your gout is under control. Unlike other vegetables, which have low levels of purine, these contain medium levels. Eat any other vegetables as desired.
Protein
A low-purine diet for the most part excludes meat and other sources of protein, such as lentils, peas and dried beans. These foods tend to have medium to high levels of purine. The Myrtue Medical Center states that you can eat a small portion, 3 oz., of cooked meat, poultry or fish per day. Only do so when your symptoms of gout are under control. Alternatively, eat 1/2 cup serving of bean, lentils or peas per day, also once your symptoms stabilize. The Litholink Corporation suggests drinking a glass of water before and after eating these servings.
Sundry Foods
Other foods allowed on a low-purine diet include sugar, syrup, oil, gelatin and eggs. Drugs.com indicates that you should limit the number of eggs to no more than four a week. Further, the diet permits the consumption of certain types of soup. Eat cream-style soups prepared with low-fat milk or soups made without broth or meat extracts.
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