From the Guidelines
A low purine diet is an effective way to manage gout by reducing uric acid levels in your body, and it is conditionally recommended to limit purine intake, as stated in the 2020 American College of Rheumatology guideline for the management of gout 1. To manage gout effectively, it is essential to focus on eating plenty of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and low-fat dairy products while limiting high-purine foods. Some key points to consider when following a low purine diet include:
- Foods to avoid or restrict include organ meats (liver, kidneys), seafood (especially anchovies, sardines, mussels, scallops), red meat, game meats, and high-fructose corn syrup products.
- Alcoholic beverages, particularly beer, should be limited as they can trigger gout attacks.
- Instead, choose low-purine proteins like eggs, nuts, and low-fat dairy.
- Stay well-hydrated by drinking 8-10 glasses of water daily to help flush uric acid from your system.
- Maintain a healthy weight through gradual weight loss if needed, as excess weight increases uric acid production. It is also important to note that while vitamin C supplements may be beneficial in lowering uric acid levels, the 2020 American College of Rheumatology guideline conditionally recommends against adding vitamin C supplementation 1. Additionally, the 2018 review on nutritional recommendations for gout highlights the importance of evidence-based research and the need for high-quality evidence to support nutritional lifestyle changes for gout 1. The 2016 updated EULAR evidence-based recommendations for the management of gout also emphasize the importance of patient education, modification of adverse lifestyle, and treatment of associated comorbidity and risk factors 1. Overall, a low purine diet is a crucial component of gout management, and by following these guidelines and recommendations, individuals with gout can help prevent painful gout flares and support their medication therapy for better long-term management.
From the Research
Low Purine Diet for Gout
- A low-purine diet is often recommended for patients with gout to help manage symptoms and prevent flare-ups 2
- However, it's essential to note that a low-purine diet may not be enough to control gout on its own, and medication may also be necessary 3, 4
- A well-balanced diet that includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins can help support overall health and reduce the risk of gout flare-ups 2
Foods to Avoid
- Organ meats, such as liver and kidney, which are high in purines 2
- Seafood, such as anchovies and sardines, which are high in purines 2
- Red meat, such as beef and pork, which can trigger gout flare-ups 2
- Processed meats, such as hot dogs and sausages, which are high in purines and sodium 2
Foods to Include
- Fruits, such as cherries and berries, which have anti-inflammatory properties 2
- Vegetables, such as leafy greens and bell peppers, which are low in purines and rich in antioxidants 2
- Whole grains, such as brown rice and quinoa, which are rich in fiber and nutrients 2
- Lean proteins, such as chicken and fish, which are low in purines and rich in omega-3 fatty acids 2
Lifestyle Modifications
- Maintaining a healthy weight, which can help reduce the risk of gout flare-ups 2, 5
- Staying hydrated, which can help flush out uric acid and reduce the risk of kidney stones 2
- Avoiding alcohol, which can trigger gout flare-ups and worsen symptoms 2
- Getting regular exercise, which can help reduce stress and improve overall health 2