Low Uric Acid Diet
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
What is Uric Acid?
Uric acid is a byproduct of purines (PYUR-eenz). Purines are naturally occurring substances and are found in
many food items. As purines are broken down in the body, they are eliminated as uric acid.
Normally, uric acid passes through the kidneys and is excreted in urine. However, when the kidneys cannot
process all of the uric acid, hyperuricemia, or elevated uric acid in the blood, may develop. This can lead to
development of uric acid crystals in joints and tissues causing a type of arthritis known as gout.
Gout or gouty arthritis, occurs when these uric acid crystals build up in your joints, particularly in the big toes
or ankles. This can cause acute pain, tenderness, swelling and redness. If left untreated, it can structurally
damage the joints.
Recent research has determined that approximately 10% of Americans with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)
also have gout (or hyperuricemia), and if left untreated, can further worsen kidney function, (1). In addition
to decreasing foods high in uric acid from your diet, your healthcare provider may also prescribe medications
to reduce the uric acid in the blood as well.
What are the effects of hyperuricemia (elevated uric acid levels)?
When your kidneys are not functioning properly, they do not filter out uric acid properly, thus potentially
leading to a number of health issues.
Elevated hyperuricemia (elevated uric acid levels) may cause;
• Worsening of kidney function
• Flare up of gout
• Damage to affected joints
What are some “DO’s and Don’ts” regarding a Low Uric Acid diet?
Do:
• Avoid or limit high-purine (uric acid) foods (see enclosed dietary recommendations)
• Avoid or limit alcohol. Alcohol increases purine production, thus further worsening hyperuricemia
• Limit meat to 3 ounces per meal
• Limit high fat foods, such as salad dressings, ice cream, fried foods, & gravies. Fat holds onto uric acid
in your kidneys
• Exercise – even 1 minutes of moderate to brisk walk is helpful
• Drink 8-12 cups of fluid daily – this will help reduce kidney stone formation and decrease uric acid
crystals
• Every person has their own food “triggers” that causes a flare-up of gout – know what foods impact
this for you and avoid eating them
Don’t:
• Don’t take baker’s yeast or brewer’s yeast as a supplement
