What all to avoid when uric acid is high?

October 22, 2025 •

3 min read

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, a healthy diet and avoiding being overweight can help manage gout, a condition caused by high uric acid. Effectively managing your uric acid levels involves knowing what all to avoid when uric acid is high, including specific foods, beverages, and lifestyle factors that can trigger a painful gout flare-up.

Quick Summary

This guide details the foods, drinks, and lifestyle habits to avoid with high uric acid to help prevent painful gout attacks and related complications. It covers high-purine foods, sugary drinks, alcohol, specific medications, and the importance of healthy weight management.

Key Points

Organ Meats and Red Meat: Avoid organ meats like liver and kidneys entirely, and strictly limit red meat, which are all high in purines.
High-Purine Seafood: Limit or avoid shellfish (shrimp, mussels) and certain fish (anchovies, sardines) due to their high purine content.
Sugary Drinks: Eliminate beverages high in fructose, such as sodas, sports drinks, and sweetened fruit juices, as they increase uric acid.
Alcohol: Avoid beer and spirits, especially during a flare-up, as alcohol impedes uric acid removal and increases production.
Dehydration and Excess Weight: Stay well-hydrated to help kidneys flush out uric acid and manage weight gradually, as obesity is a major risk factor.
Certain Medications: Be aware that some medications, including diuretics and low-dose aspirin, can raise uric acid levels, and consult a doctor about alternatives.

Foods High in Purines

Limiting high-purine foods is a key strategy for managing high uric acid. While complete elimination isn't always necessary, reducing intake is particularly important during gout flares.

Organ and Red Meats

Organ meats such as liver and kidneys have very high purine content and should be avoided. Limit consumption of red meats like beef, lamb, and pork, as well as game meats, as they can also contribute to higher uric acid levels and trigger attacks, especially in larger portions.

Certain Seafood

Avoid high-purine seafood including shellfish (shrimp, lobster, crab, mussels) and specific fish like anchovies, sardines, herring, and mackerel. Some fish, such as salmon, can be consumed in moderation as they have lower purine levels.

Yeast and Processed Foods

Yeast extracts in spreads and gravies are high in purines and should be avoided. Processed meats (bacon, sausage) and packaged foods often contain unhealthy fats and sugars that can increase gout risk.

Sugary Drinks and Fructose

Fructose in sugary drinks increases uric acid production. Avoid or limit beverages sweetened with high-fructose corn syrup, such as sodas, sports drinks, and certain fruit juices. Be mindful of added sugars in processed foods. Moderate intake of whole fruits is acceptable, but high consumption of fruit juice should be avoided.

Alcohol

Alcohol is linked to higher uric acid and increased gout risk. Avoid beer and spirits due to their high purine content and effect on uric acid production. Completely avoid alcohol during a gout attack. Moderate consumption, especially of wine, may be acceptable between attacks.

Lifestyle Factors to Avoid

Beyond diet, certain lifestyle habits can worsen high uric acid. Avoid rapid weight loss through crash diets, as this can temporarily increase uric acid levels. Aim for gradual, sustainable weight management. Dehydration can concentrate uric acid; ensure adequate water intake. Be aware that some medications, including diuretics and low-dose aspirin, can raise uric acid; consult your doctor about alternatives. Intense exercise may also temporarily increase uric acid; moderate activity is generally recommended.

Comparison of High vs. Low-Purine Foods


Category	High-Purine Foods (To Avoid/Limit)	Low-Purine Foods (Generally Safe)
Meats	Organ meats (liver, kidneys), red meat (beef, lamb, pork), game meats, processed meats	Lean poultry (chicken breast), eggs, low-fat dairy products
Seafood	Anchovies, sardines, herring, mussels, scallops, shrimp, lobster	Salmon (in moderation), smaller amounts of other fish
Beverages	Sugary sodas, fruit juices with added sugar, beer, spirits	Water, unsweetened tea, coffee, tart cherry juice
Other	Yeast extracts, gravies, foods with high-fructose corn syrup, refined carbs	Fruits (especially cherries), vegetables, whole grains, nuts, legumes

Summary

Managing high uric acid involves avoiding high-purine foods like organ meats and certain seafood, as well as sugary drinks and alcohol, particularly beer. Lifestyle adjustments are also crucial, including gradual weight management, proper hydration, and being mindful of certain medications. By following these strategies alongside medical advice, you can lower the risk of gout flares and improve your health. Consulting a dietitian for personalized advice is recommended. Additional information is available from resources like the Arthritis Foundation and WebMD.

Arthritis Foundation's Guide to Gout Management

Conclusion

Effectively managing high uric acid requires a proactive approach focused on diet and lifestyle. Avoiding high-purine foods, sugary beverages, alcohol, and certain medications, combined with healthy habits like hydration and weight management, can significantly reduce flare-ups. While diet is a powerful tool, it's typically used alongside medical treatment for optimal results. Understanding what to avoid is a vital step toward managing high uric acid and preventing gout pain.

Frequently Asked Questions

Organ meats like liver and kidneys, as well as certain seafood such as anchovies, sardines, and shellfish, are among the foods with the highest purine content and should be avoided if you have high uric acid.

No, not all seafood is off-limits. While high-purine seafood like anchovies and sardines should be limited, fish like salmon can be eaten in moderation as it contains lower purine levels.

Drinking alcohol, especially beer and distilled liquors, can raise uric acid levels and increase the risk of a gout attack. Alcohol impedes the body's ability to excrete uric acid and can increase its production.

Yes, sugary drinks and juices, particularly those sweetened with high-fructose corn syrup, are bad for high uric acid. The fructose they contain is broken down into purines and increases uric acid levels.

Diet alone is often not enough to manage high uric acid effectively. While dietary changes are crucial, most individuals with gout will need medication prescribed by a doctor to reach and maintain healthy uric acid levels.

Staying well-hydrated is very important. Drinking plenty of water helps your kidneys flush excess uric acid from your body more efficiently, which can help prevent the formation of urate crystals.

While most vegetables are generally safe, some have moderate purine levels. There is evidence that high-purine vegetables like asparagus and spinach do not increase the risk of gout attacks, but some individuals may still be sensitive to them. It's best to consult a doctor or dietitian for personalized advice.