Can patients with gout consume tofu pudding (douhua)?

Generally, gout patients can consume tofu pudding (douhua), but should avoid excessive intake. The detailed explanation is as follows:

Tofu pudding primarily consists of soybeans, which are rich in various nutrients including protein, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals. However, soybeans are considered moderate-purine foods and contain a certain amount of purines. During the process of making tofu pudding, some purines are lost with the water content, thereby reducing the overall purine level.

Although the purine content is reduced during preparation, gout patients should still control their consumption to avoid excessive intake that may elevate blood uric acid levels. During acute gout attacks, patients should avoid high-purine foods, including tofu pudding. When the condition is stable, small amounts may be consumed, but patients should remain attentive to their body's response. Additionally, tofu pudding should not be consumed with other high-purine foods to reduce the risk of gout attacks. It is advisable to pair it with low-purine foods such as vegetables and fruits to promote uric acid excretion.

Gout patients should also limit consumption of high-purine foods such as pork liver, oysters, and pork rib soup. Furthermore, weight management is important to prevent excessive obesity. Patients should also quit smoking and limit alcohol consumption, as both smoking and alcohol can interfere with uric acid metabolism and increase the risk of gout attacks.