Dietary Purines

Dietary purines are natural substances found in many foods, such as meats, seafood, and certain vegetables. When your body digests purines, they break down into a waste product called uric acid. Normally, uric acid is expelled through urine, but consuming high-purine foods can lead to elevated levels, increasing the risk of gout—a type of painful joint inflammation. Managing purine intake is especially important for people prone to gout or with certain kidney issues. Opting for a balanced diet, including low-purine foods like fruits and dairy, helps maintain healthy uric acid levels.