inspiring canadians to live better.

healthing leaf

inspiring canadians to live better.

healthing leaf
get healthing in your inbox with the morning checkup and weekender newsletter!

top of the page

diet and gout

overview

purines are substances that are found in some foods. your body turns purines into uric acid. high levels of uric acid can cause gout, which is a form of arthritis that causes pain and inflammation in joints.

you may be able to help control the amount of uric acid in your body by limiting high-purine foods in your diet.

  • plan your meals and snacks around foods that are low in purines and are safe for you to eat. these foods include:
    • green vegetables and tomatoes.
    • fruits.
    • whole-grain breads, rice, and cereals.
    • eggs, peanut butter and nuts.
    • low-fat cheese, milk, and milk products.
    • popcorn.
    • gelatin desserts, chocolate, cocoa, cakes and sweets in moderation.
  • you can eat certain foods that are medium-high in purines, but eat them only once in a while. these foods include:
    • legumes, such as dried beans and dried peas.
    • asparagus, cauliflower, spinach, mushrooms, and green peas.
    • fish and seafood (other than very high-purine seafood).
    • oatmeal, wheat bran, and wheat germ.
  • limit very high-purine foods, including:
    • organ meats, such as liver, kidneys, sweetbreads, and brains.
    • meats, including bacon, beef, pork, and lamb.
    • game meats and any other meats in large amounts.
    • anchovies, sardines, herring, mackerel, and scallops.
    • gravy.
    • alcohol, especially beer and hard liquor.

related information

credits

current as of: july 10, 2023

author: healthwise staff
clinical review board
all healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

this information does not replace the advice of a doctor. healthwise, incorporated, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. your use of this information means that you agree to the terms of use. learn how we develop our content.

this information does not replace the advice of a doctor. healthwise, incorporated, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. your use of this information means that you agree to the terms of use and privacy policy. to learn more about healthwise, visit healthwise.org. © 1995-2022 healthwise, incorporated. healthwise, healthwise for every health decision, and the healthwise logo are trademarks of healthwise, incorporated.

advertisement