Uric acid is a blood waste product. When the purines are broken down by the body, it produces uric acid. The majority of uric acid is dissolved in the blood, passed through the kidneys, and excreted in urine. Purine-rich foods and beverages increase uric acid levels. Gout is caused by uric acid crystals forming in the body and purine-rich foods and beverages can elevate uric acid levels.
Hyperuricemia is a condition that occurs when too much uric acid remains in the body thus crystals of uric acid (or urate) happen as a result of hyperuricemia. It is possible to develop gout, a painful form of arthritis caused by these crystals settling in the joints, and when they settle in the kidneys, they might become kidney stones. If left untreated, excessive uric acid levels can cause permanent bone, joint, and tissue damage, as well as kidney disease and heart disease. Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and fatty liver disease have all been associated to elevated uric acid levels.
Uric Acid is produced after breaking down a chemical called purine, which is contained in many foods. Thus, these are some of the foods with high purine content
Foods with high purine content:
- high-fat foods, such as bacon, dairy products, and red meat (including veal)
- sugary foods and beverages
- deer (venison)
- trout, tuna, haddock, sardines, anchovies, mussels, and herring
- organ meats, for example, liver and sweetbreads
- excess alcohol, including beer and liquor
Foods with moderate purine content include:
- oyster, shrimp, crab, and lobster
- deli meats
- ham and beef
- poultry
Since purines are present in small amounts in many foods, it is impossible to entirely eliminate them. However, purine levels can be reduced by eating a low-purine diet.
PDO I Ayesa Gay A. Bejerano, RND
References:
Gout Diet: Foods to eat and those to avoid
https://www.webmd.com/arthritis/gout-diet-curb-flares
What is high uric acid level?
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/17808-high-uric-acid-level
How to lower uric acid level naturally
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/325317#eat-more-low-purine-foods
