When it comes to the symptoms of gout, the question, “what are purines?”, or what are purines in food, comes up often. Purines are a completely natural substance and they are part of the cell structure of every every cell of every plant, animal, and human being.  They are part of the genetic structure of ALL plants and animals.

This video is useful for answering the, what are purines? question.

Purine Definition

When asked, what are purines? it usually brings up a list of foods that are also high-protein. The short list includes organ meats like liver and kidney, mackerel, herring, sardines and other shellfish.

An important thing to know and make note of, is that there are endogenous, and exogenous, purines.

Endogenous purines are the purines from our very own cells that have to be metabolized, recycled, and disposed of.  They make up 2/3 of the purine load that create the valuable byproduct of uric acid.

Exogenous purines are the purines that get metabolized into uric acid that come from the foods we eat.  Only about 1/3 of the uric acid that is created in our bodies comes from this source.

Instead of trying to limit or watch how much purine rich food we eat, we should be eating to strengthen our ability to breakdown proteins correctly, and improve our kidney and liver function.

In the natural cycle of cell regeneration, purines are broken down. Uric acid is formed in this break-down process. One of the ways that the understanding of “what are purines in foods?” can best be conveyed is by this statement: “a high concentration of food substances that cause an ordinate amount of uric acid to become present in the human body”. The over-abundance of uric acid from purine-rich foods is responsible for the symptoms of gout.

What Are Purines in Different Kinds of Foods

It reiterate, purines are part of the cell structure of every plant, animal and human being. The important part for anyone struggling to find gout relief is to understand that the purines in different food sources produce drastically different results in relationship to gouty arthritis.

In a study by Hyron K. Choi, MD, that is published in the New England Journal of Medicine, it was found that the purines in:

  • . . . meats and seafood is associated with a dramatic increase in potential for causing gout
  • . . . those of dairy products were associated with a decreased risk of gout
  • . . . vegetables were not associated with increased risk of gout

From this study, we get several clues about what to eat, and what not to eat in regards to gout risk potential. A diet of alkaline-forming fruits and vegetables, combined with the rich sources of fat-soluble vitamins found in raw whole milk and cheeses, should be part of all regimens for bring about gout relief and lasting gout prevention.

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Just want to let you know that I find your page to be one of the most imformative out there. I am on a mission to lower my uric acid and stop gout flares forever.

Todd

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Purines are Part of the Protection Process

What is difficult to reconcile in the review of “what are purines?”, is that the metabolism of purines and the corresponding production of uric acid in the process, is all part of a normal and natural cycle. Uric acid is actually a powerful antioxidant that helps to protect our blood vessels linings and other tissues, so a consistent supply is essential for maintaining good health.

Additionally, an important component of gout prevention is working to maintain good kidney health and keep the uric acid that is produced by the break-down of purines flushed out. This is as important, if not more important, than trying to monitor and inhibit the production of uric acid in the body.

  Remember!  What are purines? A good question to ask yourself before your next gout attack.

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Bert Middleton

“I know your pain. Let me help you kill your gout for good!  And teach you to advocate for yourself and take ownership of your gout recovery, by showing you how to live the gout-free lifestyle.” Two decades ago, Bert Middleton found himself diagnosed with gout. Like 8.3 million other people in the United States (approximately 4% of the population), he struggled helplessly with the physical, emotional, social, and financial impact that gout left unchecked can have on your life. Prescription drugs were of limited help… And the terrible pain of regular gout attacks left him unable to enjoy even the simplest daily pleasures. His marriage was suffering. His finances were spiraling due to the impact gout had on his ability to work. And maintaining a social life was often nearly impossible. Tophi surgeries left him in terrible pain.  And he found himself depressed … and angry … that gout was stealing years of his life.

Until one day, after hundreds of hours of research and self-experimentation, Bert finally had a breakthrough and created a blueprint for a way of living that would prove to be “the answer” to living gout-free for nearly a decade now. Today, Bert and his “Gout Wife” Sharon devote their evenings and weekends to educating other gout sufferers on how to live the gout-free lifestyle. Showing others his 911 Emergency Response Gout Recovery Plan for getting PAINFUL gout attacks under control in as little as 4 hours. And then, how to make daily choices that keep gout under control for GOOD! So you can finally start LIVING again!