Guidelines on Low Purine Diet for Gout
Gout affects different joints in the body, just like other forms of arthritis, but this type results from high levels of uric acid in the body. Uric acid is a natural byproduct of purine metabolism, purine being a substance that the body produces and that comes from the foods that we eat. Therefore, going on a low purine diet for gout is one of the best ways to combat this disease.
Low purine diet for gout obviously focuses on eating foods that have low purine contents. This is very essential in preventing and treating gout. Oftentimes people with gout rely on certain medications for treatment. However, eating the right foods is critical in controlling the amount of purine and uric acid in the body.
Below is a guide on low purine diet for gout:
- Cut down on calories and carbohydrates
- Cut down on fat and calories
- Avoid alcoholic beverages (especially beer)
Below is a list of low-purine foods that you can eat without increasing the risk of a gout attack . However, it is still best to follow a low purine diet for gout that also focuses on maintaining a healthy body weight. Low-purine foods include the following:
· Low fiber breads and cereals
· Tea and Coffee
· Cream soups (low-fat milk)
· Eggs (3 to 4 a week)
· Fresh fruits and juices
· Fat-free dairy products
· Nuts
· Gelatin
· Spaghetti or macaroni
· Small amounts of sweets, candies, pastries and desserts
· Green leafy vegetables
Below is a list of foods that contain an average amount of purine. Eat in limited amounts or avoid them if your gout is flared-up. The following are "medium-purine" foods:
· Asparagus
· Pork, beef, lamb and red meats
· Beef, chicken and pork broth
· Cauliflower
· Kidney beans, dried beans, fresh beans and peas
· Fish and shellfishes
· Soups with meats and gravies
· Mushrooms
· Oats
· Poultry foods (chicken, duck and turkey)
· Spinach
· Yeast
Below is a list of food that should be avoided at all times if you have gout. The following are not included in a low purine diet for gout:
· Anchovies, cod, trout, herring, caviar, sardines, mackerel, scallops, mussels and oysters
· Duck, goose and partridge
· Organ meats like brain, intestines, kidneys and liver
Eating foods that are high in purine and uric acid is one of the main causes of gout. To prevent and treat this condition, it is best that you go on a low purine diet for gout. It is advisable to talk to your physician or to a licensed dietician to know more about this special diet.
