Uric acid is a trace chemical naturally found in the body. According to Medline Plus, uric acid is formed by the break down of the substance purine. Purine is also found in foods. Uric acid normally dissolves in the blood, passes through the kidney and is excreted in the urine. According to the Gout Education website, hyperuricemia or high levels of uric acid in the blood will occur if too much uric acid is produced or the kidney does not remove an adequate amount. Hyperuricema is a precursor to gout, an excruciatingly painful type of arthritis. Foods high in purine should be avoided by individuals with hyperuricema.
Meats
Foods rich in purine include animal red meats like beef, and organs such as liver, brains and heart and kidneys as well as rabbit, pork and lamb. Individuals with hyperuricema should avoid these meats. According to the Joint Pain website, white meat from chicken, turkey and ham contains moderate amounts of purine and are not as detrimental as the red meats. However, they should be eaten sparingly. Game like goose, duck and partridge are also rich in purine. Bacon is rich with purine because of the food processing method used in its preparation.
Fish/Shell Fish
Fish and shell fish are high in purine. They include cod fish, blue fish and perch, salmon and herring as well as mackerel, snappers and sardines, anchovies and roe (fish eggs). Shell fish are rich in purine and include mussels, oysters and crabs, clams and lobsters, as well as scallops and shrimp.
Other Food Sources
Vegetables like asparagus, cauliflower and mushrooms, spinach and peas are to be avoided. And beans, like navy beans, lima beans, kidney beans and lentils, have a high quantity of purine. Other foods include oatmeal, wheat germ and wheat bran, along with whole grain breads and cereals. Some additional sources to be careful of are beef bullion and consommé, as well as beef broth and meat extracts.
Alcoholic Drinks
Alcoholic drinks also have high amounts of purine. Be careful of drinks like whiskey and rum as well as gin and vodka and wine. Beer is a another source of purine.
Considerations
Other causes of hyperuricema may include excessive caffeine intake, excessive alcohol consumption, family history and psoriasis as well as the use medications like low-dose aspirins and diuretics, according to the Mayo Clinic.
