back to all Diet Resources

What are the basics of a low uric acid or gout diet?

High levels of uric acid can cause gout. High purine foods in a diet can increase uric acid levels in the body. Therefore, the gout diet usually limits food with high purine.

  • Alcohol, especially beer, should be avoided. Limit alcohol consumption to 1 drink 3 times a week.
  • Drink 2 to 3 L of fluid daily. Adequate fluid intake helps dilute urinary uric acid. Avoid High-Purine foods (see below)
  • Consume a moderate amount of protein. Limit meat, fish and poultry to 4 – 6 oz per day. Try other low-purine good protein foods such as low fat dairy products, tofu and eggs.
  • Limit fat intake by choosing leaner meats, foods prepared with less oils and packaged foods.

Avoid high-purine foods

  • Sweetbreads
  • Anchovies
  • Sardines
  • Liver
  • Beef kidneys
  • Brains
  • Meat extracts (e.g Oxo, Bovril)
  • Herring
  • Mackerel
  • Scallops
  • Game meats
  • Gravy

Use in moderation

Include the following in moderation in your diet.

  • Vegetables: asparagus, cauliflower, spinach, mushrooms and green peas
  • Lentils, dried peas and beans
  • Beef, pork, poultry, fish and seafood
  • Oatmeal, wheat bran and wheat germ

Aside from avoiding high purine foods, maintaining a healthy body weight is important for gout patients as well. Obesity can result in increased uric acid production by the body. Follow a well-balanced diet to lose excess body weight. Do not follow a high-protein low-carb diet as this can worsen gout conditions.