What foods should people with high uric acid avoid?

Jul 10, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yang Tiesheng
Introduction
Under normal circumstances, there is no specific list of foods that people without high uric acid levels should avoid. However, individuals with high uric acid levels are generally advised not to consume animal offal, seafood, concentrated meat broths, alcoholic beverages, or high-fructose sweets. For example, foods such as pig liver, pig kidney, and chicken liver contain very high levels of purines. After consumption, these purines are metabolized into large amounts of uric acid in the body, which can elevate uric acid levels and worsen uric acid accumulation.

Generally speaking, there isn't a specific list of foods that people without high uric acid should avoid. However, individuals with high uric acid levels are usually advised against consuming animal offal, seafood, concentrated meat broth, alcoholic beverages, and high-fructose sweets. Detailed explanations are as follows:

1. Animal Offal: Foods such as pork liver, pork kidney, and chicken liver contain very high levels of purines. After consumption, these purines metabolize into significant amounts of uric acid in the body, increasing uric acid levels and worsening uric acid accumulation, which is detrimental to controlling uric acid.

2. Seafood: Such as shrimp, crab, shellfish, and sardines. Most seafood is considered high in purines. Consuming these foods increases uric acid production, exceeding the excretion capacity of the kidneys. This can easily lead to uric acid crystal deposition and increase the risk of gout attacks.

3. Concentrated Meat Broth: Made by simmering pork or beef bones for extended periods, during this process, purines from the meat and bones dissolve extensively into the broth. This results in broth with a very high purine content, significantly increasing uric acid concentration in the body after consumption and hindering uric acid control.

4. Alcoholic Beverages: Alcohol drinks such as white liquor and beer hinder uric acid excretion and simultaneously promote purine breakdown into uric acid. These dual effects lead to elevated blood uric acid levels. Notably, beer generates substantial purines during fermentation, making it particularly harmful.

5. High-Fructose Sweets: Foods rich in fructose, such as cakes and sweetened beverages, accelerate uric acid production during metabolism while simultaneously inhibiting uric acid excretion. Long-term consumption can lead to uric acid accumulation in the body, worsening the issue of high uric acid.

Individuals with high uric acid levels should primarily consume low-purine foods, eat more fresh vegetables, fruits, and whole grains, drink plenty of water to promote uric acid excretion, regularly monitor uric acid levels, and adjust their diet and lifestyle as advised by a physician.