Low Purine Diet (Gout Diet)
Purine is a substance naturally produced by the body. You can also find it in a lot of found. The result of digesting purine is uric acid, which is a waste product that is evacuated by the kidneys. However, when your kidney function is compromised, uric acid buildups can occur in the shape of gout or a type of kidney stone. If you are prone to experiencing these issues, your doctor may recommend a low purine diet to prevent risks.
What is a low purine diet?
High levels of uric acid in the blood, also referred to as hyperuricemia, can be reduced through a targeted diet that keeps purine intake levels low. The purpose of the diet is to reduce but not eliminate purine food.
Your doctor may also recommend an additional treatment plan, such as medications, to fully manage symptoms related to elevated uric acid.
Drinking more fluid in combination with a low purine diet can actively prevent the formation of uric acid crystals and manage gout flares.
What are the risks of high uric acid levels?
Excessive uric acid levels in the blood are linked to crystal buildups which can occur in the joints, causing gout, a form of arthritis. You could also experience kidney stones when the buildups occur in the urinary tract.
If hyperuricemia is left untreated, it can permanently damage joints, tissues, and bones. There is also a known link between elevated uric acid and kidney disease and heart disease. Failing to manage uric acid levels can increase the risks of high blood pressure, fatty liver disease, and type 2 diabetes.
Therefore, it makes sense for individuals who are likely to be at risk to focus on a low purine diet to preserve their health.
High purine foods to avoid
Make sure to avoid foods that could cause a flare-up:
- Wild game
- Organ meats
- High-fat foods such as red meat and high-fat fairy product
- Gravy
- Yeast
- Beer
- Anchovies, sardines, scallops, mussels, tuna, codfish, herring, and haddock
Also, you want to reduce your intake of oats, wheat, brans, poultry, crab, oysters, shrimp, legumes, asparagus, cauliflower, spinach, mushroom, and green peas.
Food such as eggs, peanut butter, skimmed milk, and fruits are safe to consume.
To learn more about a low purine diet, call 713-352-0903 or book an appointment online with Kidney360 today.