If youre one of the millions who suffer from gout, you know the pain.
Goutcan affect anyone, although itis more commonwith age and among men (sorry, guys!
What is the role of purines in gout?
Gout shows up when uric acid builds up in the blood.
Typically, uric acid dissolves in your blood and isexcreted via urine.
These tinyneedle-shaped crystals1of uric acid get deposited in your joints and can triggersudden swelling.
If treated right away, gout is nothing to be too worried about.
Over time, this can lead to permanent joint damage.
Untreated gout can also causekidney stones.
But where does this uric acid that causes all this trouble come from?
So, what foods contain purines?
Loads of them, from meat to alcohol tolegumes to nuts to veggies like asparagus and mushrooms.
Plant-based purines are most likely safe.
Plant-based purines may even help reduce gout symptoms.
Other research supports the consumption of plant-based sources of purines and reduction of animal-based sources.
All of which is to say, don’t skimp on your veggiesespecially protein-rich oneseven if they contain purines.
25 medium- and high-purine foods to limit or avoid.
Case in point: aMediterranean diet.
Drink up, too.
People with gout should be hydrating more than the average, healthy person.
