How to Get Uric Acid in Your Diet

While most people are concerned with lowering the levels of uric acid in their diet, low levels of uric acid can be caused by kidney problems, metabolic disorders and exposure to toxins. Whether you are trying to limit or increase your dietary intake, knowing what foods contain uric acid is a great place to begin, helping you to either eat more or less of uric acid containing foods.

Instructions

1. Keep an eye on your meat intake, as meat is generally the best source of uric acid. Organ meats and red meats are particularly high in purines, a substance that is transformed into uric acid in the body.

2. Include seafood in your diet, as it is high in purines as well; however, remember to keep your servings low if you suffer from gout or high levels of uric acid. Seafoods particularly high in purines include anchovies, sardines, herring, mackerel and scallops.

3. Watch for protein rich foods, as any food which contains protein also contains purines which will increase the levels of uric acid in your blood. In addition to meat and seafood, beans and peas are an easy way to get uric acid in a diet.

4. Curb a sweet tooth with sweat breads only if you are not trying to limit the amount of uric acid in your diet. While complex carbohydrates such as whole grains, brown rice and cereals as well as nuts and seeds are relatively low in purines, sweet breads aggravate gout by increasing levels of uric acid. If you are trying to increase your levels of uric acid, sweet breads should only be eaten in moderation, as they also contain sugars and fat.

Tips & Warnings

• Fruits and vegetables, even those which contain purines, have little effect on uric acid levels. Whether you are trying to increase or decrease the amount of uric acid in your diet, fruits and vegetables should make up the bulk of your meals as they provide essential vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that your body needs for health.