What should not be eaten with high uric acid?

Jul 17, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yang Tiesheng
Introduction
Under normal circumstances, there are no absolute contraindications for food in cases of high uric acid levels. However, it is generally advisable to avoid eating foods such as goose liver, mackerel pike, beef broth, yellow rice wine, and energy drinks, as well as medications including torasemide tablets, acetaminophen tablets, spironolactone tablets, rifampicin capsules, and dexamethasone tablets. Goose liver belongs to organ meats and contains high levels of purines, which are metabolized into uric acid in the body.

Generally speaking, there are no absolute dietary contraindications for individuals with high uric acid levels. However, it is usually recommended to avoid certain foods such as goose liver, mackerel, beef broth, yellow rice wine, and energy drinks, as well as medications including torasemide tablets, acetaminophen tablets, spironolactone tablets, rifampin capsules, and dexamethasone tablets. Detailed explanations are as follows:

I. Foods

1. Goose liver: As an animal organ meat, it contains high levels of purines. Purines are metabolized into uric acid in the body; consumption by individuals with high uric acid can further elevate serum uric acid levels and worsen the burden of uric acid metabolism.

2. Mackerel: This seafood is high in purines. Its consumption can significantly increase uric acid production in the body, easily leading to uric acid accumulation and affecting the stability of serum uric acid levels.

3. Beef broth: After prolonged simmering, the purines in beef are released into the broth, making it a high-purine food. Consumption can elevate serum uric acid concentration, which is unfavorable for uric acid metabolism.

4. Yellow rice wine: Alcohol inhibits the excretion of uric acid by the kidneys and also promotes the conversion of purines into uric acid, leading to elevated serum uric acid levels. Drinking alcohol may exacerbate the accumulation of uric acid in the body for individuals with hyperuricemia.

5. Energy drinks: These beverages contain large amounts of fructose. During fructose metabolism, uric acid production increases, while its excretion is inhibited. Long-term consumption may lead to persistently elevated serum uric acid levels.

II. Medications

1. Torasemide tablets: This medication is a diuretic that can affect the kidney's ability to excrete uric acid, leading to uric acid retention in the body and elevated serum uric acid levels. Patients with high uric acid should use it cautiously.

2. Acetaminophen tablets: This is a class of antipyretic and analgesic drugs. High-dose usage may affect the normal excretion of uric acid, leading to increased serum uric acid concentration. Patients with high uric acid should monitor changes in their serum uric acid levels when using this medication.

3. Spironolactone tablets: As a potassium-sparing diuretic, it may reduce the excretion of uric acid, causing its accumulation in the body. Patients with high uric acid may experience worsened uric acid metabolic abnormalities after using it.

4. Rifampin capsules: Commonly used in anti-tuberculosis treatment, this medication may interfere with uric acid excretion, leading to elevated serum uric acid levels. Patients with high uric acid should strictly follow medical instructions if its use is necessary.

5. Dexamethasone tablets: This is a glucocorticoid. Long-term, high-dose usage may reduce the excretion of uric acid, leading to elevated serum uric acid levels. It should be used properly under a physician's guidance.

Individuals with high uric acid levels should choose a low-purine diet in daily life, eat more fresh vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and maintain adequate water intake to promote uric acid excretion. Inform your physician about high uric acid levels before using any medication and avoid self-medicating. Regularly monitor serum uric acid levels. If symptoms such as joint pain or redness and swelling occur, seek medical attention promptly.

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