Purines can be found in the nucleus of any plant or animal cell. Purine is a multi-function organic compound that helps form the base of human DNA, so they aren't something you can just avoid altogether.
There are purines that the body produces on its own and those that enter the body via food and beverages. About 1/3 of purines come from diet, and the other 2/3 are naturally produced by the body. You can't control your body's natural production of purines, but it can help to control gout by avoiding high purine foods.
Purine is metabolized by the body into uric acid, which is the cause of gout. The uric acid is dissolved in the blood and passed through the kidneys. But people with gout do not eliminate enough uric acid or over-produce it. So, the more purines taken in from food and drink, the more uric acid will be in the blood, and the more likely the gout sufferer is to experience a painful gout attack.
Also, remember that gout is not only the painful, wake up in the middle of the night attacks – it's also a low-level joint inflammation that rises and falls depending on a number of factors, some we can control and some we can't. But, by being aware of what we are eating and drinking and importantly how much, gout sufferers can keep their condition under control.
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