Purine---a chemical found in certain foods---produces
uric acid when broken down in the body. Uric acid is an unused
by-product that the kidneys ordinarily filter out of the
bloodstream and discard in the urine. A buildup of uric acid in
the body can lead to the pain and swelling known as gout, and
can also cause kidney stones. If you have either of these
problems, your doctor may recommend a low-purine
diet.
WHAT YOU SHOULD
DO
Carefully avoid all foods on the high-purine list below.
In addition, do not drink alcohol unless your doctor gives the
OK. If you are overweight, you should also cut down on calories
and eat low-fat foods.
HIGH-PURINE
FOODS
(Avoid completely.)
Anchovies
Beef kidneys
Brains
Game meats
Gravies
Herring
Liver
Mackerel
Meat extracts
Sardines
Scallops
Sweetbreads
MEDIUM-PURINE
FOODS
(You may eat 2 to 4 choices daily.)
Asparagus
Beans
Bouillon
Broth
Cauliflower
Consommé
Dried beans, peas,
lentils
Eel*
Eggs (no more than 4 per
week)
Fats or oils in small
amounts
Fish
Fresh beans and
peas
Meat (beef, lamb, pork,
veal)*
Meat soups, broths,
gravies
Milk (skim or 1 percent---no
more than 24 ounces per day)
Mushrooms
Oats or oatmeal
Poultry (chicken and
turkey)*
Shellfish (crab and
lobster)*
Spinach
Wheat germ and
bran
Whole grain
breads
Yeast (all
types)
* Do not eat more than 2 medium servings (the size of a
deck of cards), cooked, per day.
LOW-PURINE
FOODS
(Eat as much as you like.)
Breads and cereals
(low-fiber, white flour, or refined grain
types)
Coffee
Cream-style soups made with
low-fat milk
Fruits and
juices
Gelatin
Low-fat and fat-free
cheeses
Nuts, peanut butter (limit if
trying to lose weight)