Purine Diet

Purines are found in all cells in the body and provide chemical structure for our genes. High-protein foods like organ meats, fish and seafood contain concentrated amounts of purines. Purines are also found in alcohol, vegetables, legumes and oatmeal. When the body breaks down purines, uric acid, which works as an antioxidant, is formed. However, too much uric acid from meat and fish purines can cause gout, a type of arthritis. Individuals on a low-purine diet must avoid meats and fish and use vegetables and beans with purines in moderation.

Purines

• Purines are broken down by the body into uric acid, an important antioxidant that helps prevent damage to the lining of our blood vessels. The kidneys are responsible for keeping uric acid at normal levels, but kidney problems can lead to an accumulation of uric acid. An excessive accumulation of uric acid eventually turns into uric acid crystals, which are deposited in the tendons, joints and organs, causing gout. Research by H. K. Choi, as reported on whfoods.com, shows that consumption of meats and fish containing purine can increase one's risk for developing gout. Purines from meat and fish pose a greater risk of gout than do plant purines.

Gout

• Gout is a type of arthritis characterized by joint pain, particularly in the feet and legs, as a result of excessive uric acid in the joints. Common signs and symptoms include fever, joint pain and swelling or stiffness of the joints. Individuals with gout are usually prescribed colchicine to help with the pain, swelling, and inflammation of the joints and are also advised to adopt a low-purine diet. In more severe cases, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may be prescribed, according to A.D.A.M., Inc.

Sources

• Foods with the highest amounts of purines include anchovies, sardines and organ meats such as the brain, liver, sweet breads and kidneys. Bacon, beef, bluefish, tongue, carp, chicken, cod, crab, duck, goose, halibut, ham, lamb, lobster, oysters, pork, rabbit, salmon, sheep, snapper, trout, turkey, tuna, veal and venison are also good sources of purines. Additionally, purines are also found in vegetables and legumes such as asparagus, cauliflower, kidney beans, lentils, lima beans, mushrooms, navy beans, peas and spinach.

Diet

• A low-purine diet focuses on avoiding purine-rich foods such as organ meats, shellfish, gravies, boullions and chicken soup, while simultaneously increasing the consumption of dairy, which can help reduce the risk of gout. Vegetables, beans, oatmeal and meats that are not as high in purines (beef, pork, poultry) are to be used in moderation.