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A uric acid buildup can sometimes lead to gout, which causes very painful symptoms. Purines are compounds that occur naturally in some foods. As the body breaks down purines, it produces uric acid. The process of metabolizing purine-rich foods may lead to gout by causing the body to produce too much uric acid.
Some foods that are high in purines are otherwise healthful, so the goal should be to reduce the intake of purines rather than to avoid them altogether.
Foods with high purine content include:
- wild game, such as deer (venison)
- trout, tuna, haddock, sardines, anchovies, mussels, and herring
- excess alcohol, including beer and liquor
- high-fat foods, such as bacon, dairy products, and red meat (including veal)
- organ meats, for example, liver and sweetbreads
- sugary foods and beverages
Foods with moderate purine content include: deli meats, most other meat, including ham and beef, poultry, oyster, shrimp, crab, and lobster.
By switching from foods with a high purine content to those with a lower purine content, some people may be able to steadily lower their uric acid levels or at least avoid further increases. Some foods with low purine content include: low-fat and fat-free dairy products
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- peanut butter and most nuts
- most fruits and vegetables
- coffee
- whole-grain rice, bread, and potatoes
Dietary changes alone will not get rid of gout, but they may help prevent flare-ups. It is also important to note that not everyone who gets gout eats a high-purine diet.
Other factors, such as genetic susceptibility, also play a role. African Americans are more vulnerable than white people to gout. Postmenopausal women and people with obesity also have a higher risk.
Certain medications may elevate uric acid levels. These medicines include:
- diuretic drugs, such as furosemide (Lasix) and hydrochlorothiazide
- drugs that suppress the immune system, especially before or after an organ transplant
- low-dose aspirin
Drugs that raise uric acid levels may offer essential health benefits, however, so people should speak to a doctor before changing any medications.
- Reaching a healthy body weight may help reduce the risk of gout flares. Obesity increases the risk of gout, especially in people of a younger age.
Being overweight also increases a person’s risk of metabolic syndrome. It can raise blood pressure and cholesterol while increasing the risk of heart disease. While these effects are harmful in their own right, being overweight also has an association with a higher risk of elevated blood uric acid levels, raising the risk of gout.
Rapid weight loss, especially when it occurs due to fasting, may raise uric acid levels. Therefore, people should focus on making long-term sustainable changes to manage their weight, such as becoming more active, eating a balanced diet, and choosing nutrient-dense foods.
The heavy consumption both of alcohol and of sugary drinks — such as sodas and sweetened juices — correlates with an increased risk of developing goût. Alcohol and sweetened drinks also add unnecessary calories to the diet, potentially causing weight gain and metabolic issues.