low purine diet

Components of a Low Purine Diet

Purine is actually a natural substance found in food which when digested, turns into a waste product known as uric acid.


It is a common substance abundantly found in anchovies, organ meats, sardines, dried pulses, broth and mackerel that is usually excreted with the urine. Purines are usually derived from animal proteins while plant proteins can be consumed everyday because they contain minimal amount of purines.

Intake of purines is important because uric acid serves as an antioxidant and it prevents damage to the blood vessel linings. More often than not, the failure of the kidneys to filter uric acid leads to the heavy accumulation of uric acid in the body which leads to a number of serious diseases. The heavy build up of uric acid crystals in the bloodstream is deposited into the joints and soft tissues which lead to the manifestation of various symptoms that resembles the symptoms of arthritis. Furthermore, the accumulation of uric acid in the blood triggers the development of a medical condition known as hyperuricemia.

Basically, a low purine diet does not mean complete avoidance from foods that contain purine. The diet is specially designed to control and monitor the individual’s intake of foods that contain purine in order to reduce the uric acid level in the body. It is an eating plan that limits the individual’s intake of high purine foods.

Diet Benefits

low purine diet

A low purine diet is beneficial for people who are suffering from gout, kidney stones and hyperuricemia, a medical condition which is triggered by high levels of uric acid in the body. A low purine diet is prescribed to people who are suffering a rare disease termed as Lesch-Nyhan Syndrome. It is also suggested to people who have undergone an organ transplant before.

A low purine diet can also reduce the intensity of redness, pain and tenderness of the joints. Aside from reducing the symptoms of gout, a low purine diet even considered as a natural treatment for gout. The diet is also believed to be effective in preventing the development of the disease. Gout is characterized by a constant increase of uric acid level in the body and the failure to eliminate it. People follow a low purine diet to reduce the level of their uric acid and at the same time help in eliminating uric acid out of the body.

The purine diet is composed of fruits, vegetables and 8-12 cups of fluid every day. Drinking sufficient amount of water can help the body get rid of uric acid and other toxins out of the body. Avoidance from alcohol is strongly recommended because alcohol can significantly increase the level of uric acid in the body. Eggs, butter, milk, cheese and yogurt are excellent sources of minimal amount of urine. Other components of a low purine diet include grain products such as pasta, noodles, cereals, bread, crackers, white rice and spaghetti. Even carbonated drinks, butter, cocoa, corn, cornbread, gelatin, fruit juices and tapioca are often included in a low purine diet.