Can patients with gout eat shepherd's purse?

Generally speaking, gout patients can eat shepherd's purse, but it should be consumed in moderation. Detailed explanation is as follows:

Gout is a disease caused by metabolic disorders of uric acid in the body, resulting in deposition of urate crystals in the joints. Special attention should be paid to diet, avoiding the intake of high-purine foods. Shepherd's purse is a low-purine vegetable rich in vitamin C, potassium, and dietary fiber. Moderate consumption of shepherd's purse can help gout patients obtain essential nutrients, and its flavonoid content may assist in promoting uric acid excretion.

However, shepherd's purse contains a significant amount of oxalic acid, which can combine with calcium in the body to form calcium oxalate, affecting calcium absorption and potentially increasing the burden on the kidneys. Excessive consumption of shepherd's purse may adversely affect kidney function, thereby impairing uric acid excretion. Therefore, it is recommended that gout patients consume shepherd's purse in moderation after blanching.

In daily life, gout patients should also maintain a healthy lifestyle, including balanced diet, moderate exercise, and regular monitoring of uric acid levels. These practices help control uric acid levels and reduce the frequency of gout attacks.

References

[1] Wu Yanwei. Getting Out of Dietary Misconceptions of Gout [J]. Family Medicine (Second Half of the Month), 2025, (02): 33-34.

[2] Qin Zhen. Scientific Diet for Improving Gout [J]. Family Life Guide, 2025, 41 (01): 113-115.