10% off £25 OR 15% off £35

000000s
Code:SAVE
 

10% off £25 OR 15% off £35

000000s

Code:SAVE

Offers3 for 2 Mix & MatchSave up to 1/2 PriceOnline only - Up to 33% offGreat SavingsBuy one get one 1/2 priceOutletIntroductory Offer25% off Online Only OfferBuy 1 Get 1 FreeBetter than 1/2 price2 for £5 Mix & MatchVitamins & SupplementsVitamins & Supplements Shop AllHair, Skin & NailsCollagen & SilicaMuscle Support & Joint PainDigestive HealthMagnesiumFunctional MushroomsVitaminsShop all VitaminsMultivitaminsVitamin AVitamin BVitamin CVitamin DVitamin EVitamin KVitamin DrinksMineralsShop all MineralsMagnesiumIronZincCalciumSeleniumChromiumSupplementsShop all SupplementsFibre SupplementsAcidophilus & Friendly BacteriaPeppermint OilGrapeseed ExtractLecithinCollagen & SilicaOmega & Fish OilsPlant Sourced SupplementsSuperfood SupplementsArnicaApple CiderRaspberry KetonesAloe VeraChondroitin & MSMCo Enzyme Q10Evening Primrose OilGarlicGinkgo BilobaGlucosamineGlucomannanSeaweed, Kelps and Aquaceuticals5 HTPDigestive EnzymesSaw palmettoCharcoalConditionShop all ConditionCholesterolAllergy & Hay Fever CareAnxiety SupportBone & Muscle HealthMuscle Support & Joint PainBrain & Memory SupportWomen's HealthMen's HealthChildren's HealthCold & Immune SupportFatigueDigestive HealthHair, Skin & NailsHeart & CirculationLiver CareMood SupportSexual HealthSleep & RelaxationStress ReliefVisionWomen's HealthShop all Women's HealthPerimenopauseMenopauseMenstrual SupportUrinary Tract HealthPregnancy & ConceptionMen's HealthShop all Men's HealthProstate HealthChildren's HealthCBD Vitamins & SupplementsShop all CBD Vitamins & SupplementsCBD OilCBD CapsulesCBD SprayCBD GummiesHerbal & Licensed RemediesShop all Herbal & Licensed RemediesRescue RemedyAshwagandhaMilk ThistleGinseng & GuaranaHomeopathic & Flower RemediesShop all Homeopathic & Flower RemediesRescue RemedyTissue SaltsFlower RemediesHomeopathic RemediesAt-Home TestsVegan Vitamins & SupplementsHolland & BarrettVitabioticsSolgarNew NordicWeledaBetterYouBioglanGrass & Co.Nature's WayNatures AidJoints, Aches & PainsImmunityGut HealthEnergyLow Mood & DepressionStress & AnxietyChildren's HealthHealthy HeartWeight ManagementWomen's Health - Menopause & Perimenopause3 for 2 Mix & MatchSave up to 1/2 PriceOnline only - Up to 33% offBuy 1 Get 1 Free25% off Online Only OfferOutletGreat SavingsBuy one get one 1/2 priceDairy FreeGluten FreeSesame Seed FreeCelery FreeCereal FreeCrustaceans FreeEgg FreeFish FreeKiwi FreeLupin FreeNew inFood & DrinkFood & Drink Shop AllDried Fruit, Nuts & SeedsShop all Dried Fruit, Nuts & SeedsDried FruitNutsSeedsMixesHoney, Jams & SpreadsShop all Honey, Jams & SpreadsManuka HoneyHoneyNut ButtersJams & ChutneysSyrupsSpreadsPateDrinks & JuicesShop all Drinks & JuicesMultipack DrinksJuices & Health ShotsNatural Energy DrinksKombuchaCBD DrinksSoft DrinksWaterAlcohol Free DrinksProtein ShakesTeas, Coffee & Hot BeveragesShop all Teas, Coffee & Hot BeveragesCoffee & Coffee SubstitutesMushroom DrinksTeasSuperfood TeasMatcha & Green TeaHerbal TeaPeppermint TeaSleep & RelaxationSlimming TeaWomen's Health TeasSuperfoodsShop all SuperfoodsSuperfood BlendsSupergreensMoringa PowderSpirulinaMaca PowderFlaxseedBaobabChia SeedsGoji BerriesGut HealthSnacksShop all SnacksSweet SnacksSavoury SnacksLow Calorie SnacksChocolateCrisps & ChipsSnack BarsFlapjacksLiquoricePopcornVegan FoodShop all Vegan FoodMeat-Free AlternativesDairy Free DrinksEgg SubstitutesVegan ProteinVegan Protein BarsFood CupboardShop all Food CupboardApple Cider VinegarCondiments & SaucesRice, Pasta, Pulses & GrainsTinned FoodsBreakfast CerealsBreakfast CerealsShop all Breakfast CerealsCereals, Bran & FlakesGranolaMuesliOats & PorridgeBreakfast BarsCookingShop all CookingCooking IngredientsApple Cider VinegarCondiments & SaucesMeat-Free AlternativesSoup & Ready MealsRice, Pasta, Pulses & GrainsHerbs, Spices & SeasoningGravy & StockHome BakingShop all Home BakingBaking MixesBreadFlourSweeteners & Sugar AlternativesEgg SubstitutesDairy Free DrinksShop all Dairy Free DrinksOat, Rice & Hemp DrinksSoya DrinksNut DrinksNutritionally Complete FoodAdvent CalendarsHolland & BarrettNaturyaGrenadeHeath & HeatherHuelPukkaTwiningsNakdOptimum NutritionMeridianImmunityExercise & RecoveryGut HealthJoints, Aches & PainsEnergyWeight ManagementDental HealthSave up to 1/2 Price3 for 2 Mix & MatchGreat SavingsOnline only - Up to 33% offBuy one get one 1/2 price25% off Online Only OfferBuy 1 Get 1 FreeBetter than 1/2 priceGluten FreeDairy FreeWheat FreeSugar FreeEgg FreeMilk FreeSoya FreeSesame Seed FreeCelery FreeFish FreeNew inSports NutritionSports Nutrition Shop AllProteinShop all ProteinWhey ProteinClear ProteinMass GainersVegan ProteinDiet ProteinCaseinSports SupplementsShop all Sports SupplementsTestosteroneElectrolytesEnergy GelsSports CollagenCreatineShop all CreatineCreatine PowderCreatine CapsulesBars, Drinks & SnacksShop all Bars, Drinks & SnacksEnergy BarsProtein BarsProtein ShakesProtein SnacksNutritionally Complete FoodMeal Replacement ShakesPre Workout & EnergyShop all Pre Workout & EnergyPre WorkoutCaffeine Free Pre WorkoutAmino Energy PowdersIntra WorkoutPost WorkoutKetoAmino AcidsShop all Amino AcidsAmino Energy PowdersBCAAL-LysineGlutamineCarnitineArginineVegan Sports NutritionShop all Vegan Sports NutritionVegan ProteinVegan Protein BarsVegan Pre Workout & EnergyVegan Amino AcidsVegan CreatineSports AccessoriesShop all Sports AccessoriesBottles & ShakersFitness EquipmentOptimum NutritionUSNGrenadePrecision EngineeredApplied NutritionMyproteinHolland & BarrettPhDNakdHuelExercise & RecoveryEnergyWeight ManagementLow Mood & DepressionStress & AnxietySave up to 1/2 PriceGreat SavingsIntroductory Offer3 for 2 Mix & MatchOnline only - Up to 33% offBuy one get one 1/2 price25% off Online Only Offer2 for £20 Mix & MatchGluten FreeDairy FreeSugar FreeWheat FreeEgg FreePalm Oil FreeMilk FreeSesame Seed FreeCelery FreeCrustaceans FreeNew inBeautyGiftsNatural Beauty Shop AllAromatherapy & HomeShop all Aromatherapy & HomePure Essential OilsBlended Essential OilsBase & Carrier OilsHolisticSkincareShop all SkincarePremium SkincareFace CareBody CareSun CareTanning & BronzingEye CareLip CareFoot CareHand & Nail CareSkin AilmentsSkin OilsCBD BeautySun CareShop all Sun CareSun Lotion SPFMineral Sun CareFace SPFAfter SunHair Skin & NailsWashing & BathingShop all Washing & BathingShampoo & ConditionerBathing AccessoriesFeminine CareShower Gel & Body WashDeodorantDentalHand WashSoapBath Soak & OilBody ScrubBath Bombs & SaltsIncontinence SupportHair CareShop all Hair CareShampoo & ConditionerHair ColouringHair MasksHair Oil & SerumHair Spray, Gel & MousseHair AccessoriesMother & BabyShop all Mother & BabyBaby Skincare & ToiletriesElectrical WellnessSexual WellnessDr OrganicFaith in NatureWeledaNaturtintHolland & BarrettTisserandMiaromaSukinQ+AEthiqueSkin Health - by skin concernDental HealthWomen's Health - Cycles & MenstruationJoints, Aches & PainsWomen's Health - PregnancyChildren's HealthExercise & RecoveryLow Mood & DepressionSexual HealthStress & Anxiety3 for 2 Mix & MatchSave up to 1/2 PriceOnline only - Up to 33% offOutletIntroductory OfferAlcohol FreeDairy FreeGluten FreeParfum FreePalm Oil FreeMicroplastics FreeSesame Seed FreeSoya FreeCelery FreeCereal FreeNew inCBDShop all CBDCBD Vitamins & SupplementsShop all CBD Vitamins & SupplementsCBD OilCBD CapsulesCBD SprayCBD GummiesCBD Food & DrinkCBD BeautyGrass & Co.CBDfxTRIPfourfiveHolistic HerbHolland & BarrettReakiroCannaray CBDLove HempBody & Mind BotanicalsExercise & RecoveryLow Mood & DepressionSleep & RelaxationStress & Anxiety3 for 2 Mix & MatchSave up to 1/2 PriceOnline only - Up to 33% offGreat SavingsBuy one get one 1/2 priceOutletDairy FreeAlcohol FreeGluten FreeNew inWeight ManagementWeight Management Shop AllFat Burners, Binders & Appetite SuppressantsShop all Fat Burners, Binders & Appetite SuppressantsFat BurnersFat BindersAppetite SuppressantsSlimming TabletsWeight Management Shakes Shop all Weight Management Shakes Meal Replacement ShakesDiet ProteinDiet Food & DrinkShop all Diet Food & DrinkDiet FoodLow Calorie SnacksSlimming TeaExercise SupportShop all Exercise SupportFitness EquipmentMeal Replacement ShakesDiet ProteinProtein BarsOptimum NutritionGrenadeHolland & BarrettPhDHeath & HeatherUSNBounceMyproteinPulsinTrekExercise & RecoveryWeight ManagementEnergyHealthy HeartSave up to 1/2 Price3 for 2 Mix & MatchGreat SavingsOnline only - Up to 33% offBuy one get one 1/2 price25% off Online Only OfferIntroductory OfferOutletGluten FreeDairy FreeSugar FreeWheat FreeEgg FreeMilk FreeSesame Seed FreeCelery FreeFish FreeLupin FreeNew inVeganHealth & WellnessShop all Health & WellnessEnergyJoints Bones & MusclesGut HealthHair Skin & NailsStress AnxietySleep & RelaxationHolland & BarrettVitabioticsNaturtintWeledaSolgarOptimum NutritionDr OrganicBetterYouApplied NutritionNew NordicJoints, Aches & PainsGut HealthEnergySkin Health - by skin concernExercise & RecoveryWomen's Health - Menopause & PerimenopauseLow Mood & DepressionStress & AnxietyWomen's Health - Hormonal HealthImmunity3 for 2 Mix & MatchSave up to 1/2 PriceOnline only - Up to 33% offGreat SavingsBuy one get one 1/2 price25% off Online Only OfferOutlet3 for £14 Mix & MatchDairy FreeGluten FreeAlcohol FreeSugar FreeWheat FreeEgg FreeSesame Seed FreeCelery FreeCrustaceans FreeFish FreeNew inShop for your WellnessGut HealthImmunityEnergySkincareWomen's HealthMenstrual HealthMenopauseJoints, Bones & MusclesHair, Skin & NailsSleep & RelaxationFood & DietChildren's HealthStress ReliefHealthy HeartLow Mood & DepressionConcentration & AlertnessEye HealthSexual HealthLearn about WellnessJoints, Bones & MusclesWomen's HealthPeriods & Cycle HealthMenopauseImmunityGut HealthFood & DietSports & FitnessSleep & RelaxationHair Skin & NailsArticlesAll articlesHealthFood & nutritionGut healthImmunityJoints, bones & musclesWomen's healthWellnessHair & skinMental wellbeingSeasonalSleep & relaxationSports nutritionRecipesAll recipesGluten freeLow sugarVeganDairy freePodcast

11 low purine foods to avoid gout flare-ups

low purine foods for gout
Gout is caused by too much uric acid in the blood, which occurs when the body breaks down a substance called purine. Here are 11 foods low in purine for you to include in your diet.

As the most common form of inflammatory arthritis worldwide, gout can be debilitating and distressing for those living with the disease.

If you are living with gout then don’t worry, you are not alone. The UK Gout Society reports that one in 14 men and one in 35 women are affected by gout.1

In order to treat gout, you have most probably been prescribed medication as a preventative measure.

However, in this article, we are looking at further ways you can go by looking at your diet and ways you can manage your intake of purines to avoid flare-ups.

Handpicked content: Gout: Causes, treatment & prevention

What are purines?

As you may know, gout is caused by an elevated level of uric acid in the blood.

Uric acid is a chemical produced by the body when it breaks down a substance in the blood called purine.

Uric acid is present in the body naturally and does not cause issues at normal levels.

However, elevation can happen as a result of eating too many foods and drinks high in purines.

It is impossible to cut purines out of your diet altogether, although there are certainly ways you can manage your diet so you lessen your purine intake.2

Purines and gout - why should you avoid eating purines if you have gout?

Purines contain uric acid, which is what causes gout. To avoid ‘flare-ups’ you should try and avoid foods that are high in purines.

Purines vs pyrimidines

When it comes identifying the main differences between purines and pyrimidines, what you’ll want to remember is the ‘three S’s’: Structure, Size, and Source.

The very basics of what you need to know are in the table below, but you can find more details about each one further down.

  Purines Pyrimidines
Structure Double carbon-nitrogen ring with four nitrogen atoms Single carbon-nitrogen ring with two nitrogen atoms
Size Bigger Smaller
Source Adenine and Guanine in both DNA and RNA Cytosine in both DNA and RNA
Uracil only in RNA
Thymine only in DNA

 

 

8 foods high and rich in purine

Purines are present in many different foods, which makes them hard to avoid.

However, foods that contain high amount of purines can easily be avoided, they include.3

  1. All alcohol
  2. Some seafood and shellfish, including anchovies, sardines, herring, mussels, codfish, scallops, trout and haddock 
  3. Meats, such as bacon, turkey, veal and venison
  4. Organ meats (like liver and kidney)
  5. Soybeans
  6. Vegetables such as cauliflower, asparagus and mushrooms.

Foods with moderate purine levels include:

  1. Meats, such as beef, chicken, duck, pork and ham 
  2. Shellfish, such as crab, lobster, oysters and shrimp 

The fact that a food contains purine does not automatically make it off-limits to you, so don’t worry as the benefits of these healthy foods outweigh the dangers posed by their purine levels.

It is not recommended that you cut out healthy foods such as vegetables, although the UK Gout Society advises you to avoid foods particularly rich in purines such as red meat, organ meats and shellfish, as well as beverages such as beer.4

11 foods low in purines

While they can be hard to avoid, there are some foods that you can eat more freely than others.

These include:5

  1. Milk
  2. Yogurts
  3. Cheese
  4. Dairy-free alternatives, such as soya products
  5. Eggs
  6. Fruit and vegetables
  7. Bread
  8. Cereals
  9. Pasta
  10. Rice
  11. Noodles

Poultry, red meat and fish may also be eaten in moderation if you so wish.

Drinks high and rich in purines

Obviously, alcohol is a big no-no here as it contains more purines than any other food.

However, you should consider that sugar-sweetened drinks, such as full sugar soft drinks or fortified juices (additional sweeteners such as fructose, fructose corn syrup or cane sugar) including freshly pressed juices or smoothies may increase the amount of uric acid in the body, which can lead to a gout flare-up.

Drinks low in purines

Instead, you should try to drink water, tea or coffee, without sugar.

Avoid drinking soft and fizzy drinks in your diet for the best results.

Handpicked content: 11 of the healthiest drinks - including recipes

What should I be eating?

A diet rich in fruit, vegetables, and pulses.

A study from 2012 has linked the consumption of cherries to a decreased risk of gout flare-ups, so feel free to enjoy lots of this healthy fruit.6

Diet can help with the symptoms of gout, but unfortunately cannot totally eradicate flare-ups.

Maintaining a healthy weight is key, as being overweight increases the risk of frequent gout attacks.

Also, limiting your consumption of beers and spirits is recommended as these are major co-existing risk factors for those with gout.7,8

Do not crash diet as this can cause uric acid retention.

Drinking plenty of water, at least 2 litres a day, will help.

Nettle tea also has the added benefit of having mild diuretic effects and so can help flush out uric acid from the system.

What else treats gout?

Your GP will probably prescribe a urate-lowering medicine and might prescribe you vitamin C supplements. It is important to follow your doctor’s advice as each case is different.

The advice in this article is for information only and should not replace medical care. Please check with your GP or healthcare professional before trying any supplements, treatments or remedies. Food supplements must not be used as a substitute for a varied and balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle.

Last updated: 23 September 2021s

Related Articles