Purines

Foods that contain the compound purine can raise the uric acid levels in the body leading, if you are susceptible, to conditions such as gouty arthritis or joint pain. These conditions are generally recognisable by their accompanying sudden and severe attacks of pain, redness and swelling of joints. The condition has been found to be helped by eating a low purine diet.

You will find it useful to test for Purine sensitivity if you have

• Recurring gout like symptoms
  
• Only recently had a gout like episode but are also overweight and drink alcohol.

It should be noted that not everyone with gout will have a purine sensitivity.

Foods that are very high in Purines include:

Anchovies, Brains, Gravies, Kidneys, Liver, Sardines, Sweetbreads

Further information on food intolerance can be found in The Food Intolerance Handbook.