Can gout patients eat spinach?
Disease description:
I usually eat spinach myself, but I’m unsure whether I can consume it recently, as I’ve had a prolonged gout flare-up. May I ask: Can patients with gout eat spinach?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Pan Yongyuan
Patients with gout are generally advised to avoid spinach. However, during the stable phase or asymptomatic period—when only hyperuricemia is present—spinach may be consumed in moderation. Spinach contains approximately 25–150 mg of purines per 100 g, classifying it as a medium-to-high-purine food. A practical tip for gout patients who wish to eat spinach is to blanch it in boiling water first; this process leaches out 50–90% of the purines into the water, as purines are water-soluble.
