Purine: Understanding its Role in Health and Disease

Purine is a compound found in nucleic acids, heterocyclic compounds made of imidazole rings and pyrimidine. When purine is metabolized, it creates a crystalline compound including uric acid, caffeine and xanthine. It is this uric acid that is the cause of gout, a painful arthritic disease. Purines are found in many foods.

The Kidneys

• The kidneys eliminate uric acid. The lack of that function or lessened function of the kidneys causes a build-up of uric acid from purine. It is the build-up of the purine which causes gout sufferers more pain and more gout symptoms.

Purine-Rich Foods

• Gout caused by purine-rich foods is actually considered the most painful of the rheumatic conditions. Gout affects an estimated 5 percent of all arthritis cases. Some purine-rich foods include beer and other alcoholic beverages, anchovies, sardines in oil, fish roes, herring, yeast, organ meat, legumes, mushrooms, spinach and cauliflower.

Beneficial Food

• There is food that is beneficial for those who suffer from gout. It is suggested to have a diet containing cherries, fresh cherry juice, any dark berries, flax or olive oil and fatty acids found in certain fish like salmon.

The AMA on Gout

• The American Medical Association (AMA) identifies 4 distinct stages of gout: asymptomatic symptom; acute gouty arthritis; intercritical gout; and chronic tophaceous gout.

Controlling it

• Purine-rich foods are only one part of the battle for people who suffer from gout. It is important to keep up with the medications prescribed by a doctor. Regular exercise and the intake of plenty of water also will help lower gout sufferings.