Uric acid results from the breakdown of compounds called purines in the body. Purines are both produced by the body and consumed through food.
According to the University of Rochester Medical Center, normal blood uric acid levels are less than 6.0 milligrams per deciliter for women and less than 7.0 milligrams per deciliter for men.
High levels of uric acid in the blood can cause crystals to form and build up around joints, leading to a painful form of arthritis called gout. According to the Mayo Clinic, many foods, such as red meats, seafood, organ meats, and alcoholic beverages, are on the list of foods high in uric acid, and consuming these foods can lead to high levels of uric acid in the blood.
1. Red meats
One of the main sources of uric acid in the diet is red meat. Organ meats such as liver contain the highest levels of uric acid. Other red meats that contain significant amounts of uric acid include beef, lamb, veal and pork.
If you have been diagnosed with gout or have high uric acid levels, these meats should be limited or even avoided.
2. Seafood and fish
Seafood has many health benefits, including omega-3 fatty acids. These fats have been shown to reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke. The American Heart Association recommends consuming 3.5 ounces of cooked fish per week.
However, seafood and fish are other important sources of uric acid in the diet. Tuna, mackerel, herring and anchovies are among the fish rich in uric acid, as are lobster, scallops and shrimp.
Besides red meats, these types of fish and seafood may need to be avoided or limited if you have high levels of uric acid in your blood or are prone to gout.
3. Red flag vegetables
Certain vegetables can contribute to higher uric acid levels. Vegetables that contain a moderate amount of purine include beans, peas, lentils, spinach, cauliflower, asparagus and mushrooms, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians.
Replace these vegetables with vegetables containing higher levels of magnesium and lower levels of calcium to help reduce the amount of uric acid built up in the blood and decrease your chances of developing gout.
Vegetables high in magnesium include broccoli, potatoes, carrots and avocados, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
Learn more: Can apple cider vinegar treat gout?
4. Beer and alcohol
Alcohol, especially beer, is important to consider due to high uric acid levels. Although they don’t contain purines or uric acid, beer and other alcoholic beverages increase the body’s production of purines, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians.
Avoid beer and spirits, such as hard liquor, as they have been shown to increase the risk of developing gout. Wine has not been shown to have any influence on the development of gout. It is best to limit all alcohol consumption to two servings or less per day.
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