Purines are naturally occurring chemicals found in certain foods and drinks. When the body breaks down these chemicals, uric acid is produced as a byproduct. A low-purine diet is recommended for people with gout or other purine-related health complications to reduce the amount of uric acid in the system. Here are some examples of purine-rich foods to avoid or limit:
High-Purine Foods:
- Alcoholic beverages (all types)
- Some fish, seafood, and shellfish, including anchovies, sardines, herring, mussels, codfish, scallops, trout, and haddock
- Some meats, such as bacon, turkey, veal, venison, and organ meats like liver
Moderate Purine Foods:
- Meats, such as beef, chicken, duck, pork, and ham
- Shellfish, such as crab, lobster, oysters, and shrimp
It is important to note that avoiding purines completely is impossible, but limiting them is recommended. People can learn by trial and error what their personal limit is and which foods cause them problems. A low-purine diet typically centers around fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, while minimizing the consumption of red meat, seafood, and alcohol.
