Low Purine Diet

Having a low purine diet is essential to anyone suffering with gout. Foods that have a high amount of purines in content will raise the uric acid levels in your body. It is this combined with insufficient amounts of the uricase enzyme (required to metabolize uric acid) that promotes the buildup of uric acid in the bloodstream and subsequent crystallized deposits on the joints.

While gout attacks can be treated with medication, the side effects can be worse than the gout itself. Aside from that, some treatments do not address the root cause of the problem. Limiting the amount of purines in the body by managing intake will definitely promote a reduction of uric acid levels in the bloodstream.

Is A Low Purine Diet Possible?

Yes, it is. With practice, planning and with an expectation of reducing the pain associated with gout anyone can incorporate a low purine diet. The following points will help you with the planning stage:

• Prepare a list of “safe” foods so that you can incorporate them in your lifestyle and prevent boredom from eating the same foods over and over again.
• Prepare a list of “unsafe” foods and place in a prominent area in your kitchen so that you are reminded of foods that you should avoid.
• Take you unsafe list with you when you are eating out.
• It is a good idea to have family members who are supportive of your new way of life so that they can keep you on track. Where possible, if family members can get on board it will negate the need to have “unsafe” foods in the household.
• Prepare your menu in advance to avoid impulse eating.

Foods You Should Avoid
In order to help you get started with your list here are some foods that you need to avoid.

• Fish (herring, mackerel, sardines)
• Anchovies
• Organ meats (brain, kidneys, liver, heart)
• Game meats (duck, goose etc)
• Scallop and mussels
• Alcohol

Use These In Moderation

• Fish and shellfish not included above
• Dried beans, peas
• Whole grain breads
• Poultry
• Beef, lamb, pork and other red meats
• Vegetables: asparagus, cauliflower, spinach, mushrooms

• Low-fat or fat-free cheese.
• Pudding.
• Milk: skim or 1% (limit to 24 ounces per day).
• Soups made without meat extract or broth.
• Vegetables not mentioned above
• Fruits and juices.
• Breads and cereals: low fiber.
• Pasta and macaroni.
• Rice.
• Coffee and tea.

Important guidelines:

Water intake: Increase your water intake to assist your body with the excretion of uric acid in your bloodstream.

Limit fat: Gout will increase your chances for heart disease among others so use low fat foods as much as possible.

Weight: If you are overweight you should take step to reduce your weight as doing so will decrease the quantities of uric acid in your bloodstream.