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.

Medicines have largely replaced the need to restrict what you eat when you have gout. But making changes in your diet may still help.

• Plan your meals and snacks around eating a variety of foods such as:
  • Vegetables and fruits.
  • Whole-grain breads, rice, and cereals.
  • Eggs, peanut butter, and nuts.
  • Low-fat cheese, milk, and milk products.
• Drink plenty of water. This can help your body get rid of uric acid.
• Avoid sugar-sweetened foods and drinks. They include many soft drinks (pop), fruit drinks, candy, and desserts like cake, cookies, donuts, and pastries
• Limit very high-purine foods, including:
  • Organ meats, such as liver, kidneys, sweetbreads, and brains.
  • Any other meats in large amounts.
  • Anchovies, sardines, herring, mackerel, and scallops.
  • Alcohol, especially beer and hard liquor.