Overview

Purines are substances that are found in some foods. Your body turns purines into uric acid. High levels of uric acid can cause gout, which is a form of arthritis that causes pain and inflammation in joints.

You may be able to help control the amount of uric acid in your body by limiting high-purine foods in your diet.

• Plan your meals and snacks around foods that are low in purines and are safe for you to eat. These foods include:
  • Green vegetables and tomatoes.
  • Fruits.
  • Whole-grain breads, rice, and cereals.
  • Eggs, peanut butter and nuts.
  • Low-fat cheese, milk, and milk products.
  • Popcorn.
  • Gelatin desserts, chocolate, cocoa, cakes and sweets in moderation.
• You can eat certain foods that are medium-high in purines, but eat them only once in a while. These foods include:
  • Legumes, such as dried beans and dried peas.
  • Asparagus, cauliflower, spinach, mushrooms, and green peas.
  • Fish and seafood (other than very high-purine seafood).
  • Oatmeal, wheat bran, and wheat germ.
• Limit very high-purine foods, including:
  • Organ meats, such as liver, kidneys, sweetbreads, and brains.
  • Meats, including bacon, beef, pork, and lamb.
  • Game meats and any other meats in large amounts.
  • Anchovies, sardines, herring, mackerel, and scallops.
  • Gravy.
  • Alcohol, especially beer and hard liquor.