What Purine Foods Are Bad for Uric Acid?

Intake of foods containing purines is directly linked to the body's production of uric acid. In most cases, the body is able to dispose of uric acid, regardless of how much is made. However, in some cases, uric acid cannot be properly processed, which can lead to a very painful condition called gout. A person who is suffering from gout should either eliminate or severely limit certain purine-rich foods in his diet because these foods produce too much uric acid.

Relationship

• Purines are found in all plant and animal cells. When the cells die after they are consumed in foods the body metabolizes the purines, converting them to uric acid. In most cases, the uric acid is expelled from the body as waste. However, if a large quantity of purine-rich foods is consumed, the uric acid levels in the body rise. This can be a problem for certain people whose systems are not equipped to handle the increase in uric acid.

Gout

• Gout attacks develop when high levels of uric acid are not properly controlled by the body. When uric acid remains the body, it crystallizes around the joints of the toes, ankles, fingers and wrists. These crystals lead to painful redness, stiffness and swelling that lasts for five to 10 days. Gout strikes without warning, but can sometimes by controlled by monitoring the intake of purine-rich foods.

High-Risk

• Certain foods contain such a concentrated amount of purine that they are exceptionally high-risk for those with gout. This category of foods includes organ meats and certain fish and seafood, such as herring and mussels. It also includes mushrooms and yeast. Those who are concerned about having elevated uric acid levels should avoid these foods.

Moderate-Risk

• Some foods pose a moderate uric-acid risk, but can still be consumed by those with gout. These items include turkey, anchovies, asparagus, bacon, liver, trout, goose, scallops, pheasant and mutton. Those with gout may choose to eat these items on a very limited basis, or just eliminate them altogether.

Alcohol

• Alcoholic beverages contain a low-to-moderate amount of purines, but they can also affect the body's ability to process uric acid efficiently. Therefore, most doctors recommend that anyone who already has an increased risk for gout should not drink alcohol. Beers contain the highest level of purines, but all types of alcohol can bring on a gout attack.