Gout: Purine-Modified Diet

Gout is one of a number of diseases that affect the joints.  In gout, there is too much uric acid in the body.  The excess URIC ACID accumulates in certain joints, often the large joint of the big toe.  This happens when your body makes too much uric acid, or not enough leaves the body through the urine.  People on certain high blood pressure medicines can develop gout.  In these people, the medication prevents enough uric acid from leaving the body in the urine.

A PURINE-MODIFIED DIET may be suggested for most gout sufferers.  Since many PROTEIN foods contain PURINE, it is recommended that the intake of protein NOT exceed 100 grams per day. 

There are about 7 grams of protein in an ounce of meat and 3 grams of protein in one serving of grain or bread.  3 ounces of meat is about the size of the palm of an adult's hand, and one serving of grain or bread would be one slice or about one-half cup. 

By DECREASING the intake of meat, poultry, fish, and beans, the intake of purine will automatically be decreased.  Organ meats, such as liver, brains, kidney, and sweetbreads, are extremely high in purine and need to be ELIMINATED from the diet all together.

Meats and seafoods HIGHEST in purine include:

Vegetables HIGHEST in purine include:

Milk, eggs, and cheese, are good sources of protein, and do NOT contain high levels of purine.

Diets high in fat and alcohol, as well as very low calorie diets, can lead to more frequent and severe gout attacks.

FOLLOW THESE 8 EATING GUIDELINES IF YOU SUFFER FROM GOUT:

1.  do not eat organ meats like liver, kidney, brains, and sweetbreads

2.  do not eat more than 3 to 4 ounces of meat at each meal

3.  avoid heavy consumption of alcohol

4.  avoid foods high in fat

5.  avoid very low calorie diets

6.  do not take vitamin C supplements

7.  drink 10 to 12 glasses of water a day to promote uric acid excretion and

8.  attempt to maintain a healthy weight  (If weight loss is needed, do so gradually, no more than 2 pounds a week, because rapid weight loss can make the symptoms worse.)

Disclaimer:  This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available.  The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.