Purine is one of the integral components of DNA as well as a natural substance that is found abundantely in a number of foods. Uric acid is the end product of purine metabolism in the body and is one of the toxic metabolites that must be eliminated from the body to prevent a state of toxicity. Normally the kidneys excrete the uric acid with the help of urine. When the normal excretory functions of the kidneys are altered as a result of circulatory defects or internal disorders of kidney or excretory system, accumulation of the uric acid in the body leads to various disease conditions like gout, diabetes, kidney disease, arthritis etc.

Elevated Uric acid level in the blood can be caused by intake of purine rich food, side effect of chemotherapy and also due to certain disease conditions like renal failure and lead poisoning. It is usually accumulated in the joints and manifested by symptoms like redness, swelling, inflammation and severe pain in the joint of the knee, elbow, wrists, ankles and surrounding tissues. Normal level of urine acid level in the blood is between 3 to 7 mg/dl. Have low uric acids foods while avoid foods high in uric acid can help prevent unwanted condition from happening.

Foods Low in Uric Acid

Diet plays an important role in regulation of uric acid levels in the blood. It is not a definite management but low uric acid diet is recommended to those with elevated levels in order to relieve the symptoms and to prevent further complications. There are certain foods mainly advised to the patients with high levels of uric acid. This includes foods high in potassium and complex carbohydrates and low in proteins and purine.

The essential principles of each type of food are listed below:

1. Potassium Rich Foods

Uric acid diet includes the cereals and whole grains as they contain high fiber, high carbohydrate and low fat. Potassium rich foods are recommended as it plays a vital role in enhancing the excretion of uric acid. Here is the list of foods rich in potassium.

• White beans
• Dark green leafy vegetables
• Yogurt
• Dried apricots
• Fish (salmon)
• Avocados
• Bananas

2. Complex Proteins Rich Foods

Complex protein rich foods are recommended for the patients with high uric acid to reduce the production of toxic metabolites. Consumption of egg white three to four times a week helps to gain essential protein without consuming high levels of purine. Check the list of protein rich foods that can be consumed by the patients with high uric acid levels.

• Nuts and seeds (pumpkin, water melon seeds, almond, squash, peanut).
• Yogurt, milk and soya milk
• Tofu
• Lean beef and veal
• Fish (Tuna, Salmon, Halibut)
• Turkey Breast (and Chicken Breast)

3. Low Protein and Low Purine Foods

Research indicates that cherries are useful in eliminating uric acid as it contain a chemical compound that helps in detoxification of the body. Consumption of 30 to 40 cherries every now and then is very helpful in preventing the acute attack; moreover, early resolution of symptoms and recovery can be achieved if cherries are consumed during an acute attack. Other helpful options in this regard that supply low protein and low purine are:

• Breads, Cereals, Rice, and Pasta
• Green leafy vegetables
• Fish
• Poultry and meat
• Eggs

Other Foods Helpful in Decreasing Uric Acid Levels

Nuts are highly recommended as it contains protein, vitamin E and other nutrients. It also helps in reducing high cholesterol level. Other foods with low uric acid level are:

• Pineapple
• Lemon
• Fibrous food
• Olive oil
• Vinegar
• Parsley
• Red cabbage
• Corn
• Rice

Foods High in Uric Acid

There are a number of foods that are inherently higher in uric acid levels. For best results and in order to decrease the incidence and frequency of attacks, the patients with Hyperuricemia should avoid foods with high purine and protein. Here is the list of the foods high in purine and proteins:

1. Meat. Meat is a good source of purine especially lamb, beef and pork. Animal brain, kidney, liver and chicken with skin are high purine food. So it is better to avoid meat and meat products
2. Some Vegetables. Some vegetable also have high amount of purine. It includes mushrooms, spinach, peas, lentils, asparagus, cauliflower, beans and oatmeal.
3. Sea Foods. Certain sea foods are extremely rich in purine and thus release a lot of uric acid after metabolism. The sea foods like Codfish, haddock, scallops, herring, sardines, trout and anchovies are known to release high levels of uric acid.
4. Alcohol. Moderate consumption is not a problem but severe consumption (more than 3 times a day) can aggravate the condition by interfering with the liver enzymes.

Recommended Low-Uric Acid Meal Plan

Dietary management always plays a vital role in controlling many of the disease condition. It is recommended to speak to a healthcare provider or a registered dietician if you have a recognized medical condition in order to formulate a diet plan to control your production of uric acid levels.