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Low-Purine Diet

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

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)
  • Soda pop
  • Sugar, syrup, sweets in small amounts
  • Tea
  • Vegetables, except those above
  • Vegetable soups without meat extract or broth



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