If you are someone who is trying to watch their uric acid levels, then you need to be aware of the foods that are high in purine. If left unchecked, high uric acid levels can lead to gout and other health problems.
In this blog post, we will discuss which foods are high in purine and should be avoided if you want to keep your uric acid levels under control and avoid diseases.
What is Purine?
Purines are a natural compound that is found in many foods. When these purines are broken down, they form uric acid. Uric acid is then excreted by the body through the urine.
However, sometimes the body can produce too much uric acid or it may not be able to get rid of it efficiently. When this happens, the uric acid can build up and form crystals in the joints, which leads to gout.
Do you need a doctor’s advice for high uric acid levels? If yes, click here to consult online with the Best General Physicians in Lahore via Marham.
What are the Harmful Effects of Taking High Purine Foods on the Body?
High purine foods can have a variety of effects on the body. Some people may experience no ill effects, while others may develop health problems. The most common problems associated with high purine foods are gout, diabetes, and kidney stones.
1. Gout
People who consume high purine foods are at an increased risk for developing gout. A gout is a form of arthritis that causes inflammation, pain, and swelling in the joints. It is often caused by a build-up of uric acid in the body.
“Avoiding or reducing amount of purine-rich foods intake, especially of animal origin, may help reduce the risk of gout attacks.” – Research on Gout Attacks and High Purine Food Intake
2. Kidney Stones
Kidney stones are another common problem associated with high purine foods. Kidney stones are small, hard deposits that form in the kidneys. They can cause severe pain and other problems.
3. Diabetes
Excessive purine consumption can result in hyperuricemia, a disorder characterized by an excess of uric acid in the circulation. High uric acid levels in the body have been linked to an increased risk of diabetes, according to research.
If you are concerned about the effects of high purine foods on your health, talk to your doctor. They can help you make decisions about what foods to eat and how much to consume.
Check out the 3 Signs Of Excessive Uric Acid In The Body
Which Foods are High in Purine?
When it comes to purine, not all foods are created equal. Some foods, like liver and anchovies, are high in purine content and should be avoided if you’re trying to keep your levels down. Other foods, however, only contain small amounts of purine and can be enjoyed without worry.
So, let’s see which foods are high in purine and should be avoided if you trying to stay away from gout, kidney stones, or diabetes.
Proteins High in Purine:
When we talk about proteins that are high in purine you should be aware of the following:
- Organ and glandular meats:
Organ or glandular meats are kidneys, liver, brains, and sweetbreads. You must avoid these as they have high purine levels and contribute to high blood levels of uric acid.
- Red meat:
Red meat is also high in purines and should be avoided. It includes beef, lamb, mutton, veal, venison, and goat. You should also avoid gravies made with these meats.
- Seafood:
While most types of seafood are safe for people with gout or high uric acid levels. You must avoid:
- sweetbreads
- sardines
- anchovies
- herring
- mackerel
- scallops
- mussels
Also see: Is Chicken Good for Uric Acid?
Vegetables High in Purine:
Research suggests that intake of high purine vegetables rarely increases the risk of gout. However, professionals still suggest limiting high purine vegetables like:
- mushrooms
- green peas
- spinach
- asparagus
- broccoli sprouts
- cauliflower
It is only recommended to have 1/2 cup of these vegetables a day by the Winchester Hospital.
Grains and Lentils High in Purine:
It is recommended to avoid the following grains as they have higher levels of purine:
- Oatmeal: You can only take 2/3 cup of uncooked oatmeal daily.
- Wheat bran/wheat germ: It is recommended to only take ¼ cup of dry wheat bran/wheat germ daily.
- Beans and lentils: You can only have 1 cup of cooked beans or lentils daily.
Other Foods High in Purines:
- Yeast: Baker’s or brewer’s yeast are both high in purines and should be avoided.
- Stock-based soups: Stock-based soups e.g. chicken or beef bouillon cubes, broth-based soups should also be avoided.
- Sugary beverages: You must also avoid sugary drinks like sodas, fizzy drinks, and fruit juices because they release purines.
- Alcohol: Alcohol products like beer also increase the production of purines.
The Bottom Line
Having foods with normal amounts of purines is not harmful but those with high levels can cause some serious diseases like gout, kidney stones, and diabetes.
So, there is no doubt that one must know which foods are high in purine so you can make healthy choices. If you want to get a low-purine food diet plan you must consult a dietary professional.
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FAQs
What vegetables are high in purines?
Some vegetables high in purines are green peas, spinach, asparagus, mushrooms, broccoli sprouts, and cauliflower.
What fruits are high in purine?
Most fruits have a low purine content and are safe for consumption.
What foods help lower uric acid?
Foods that help lower uric acid include bananas, apples, coffee, cherries, and green tea.