Once in my life, I saw a patient who had gout and ate all types of fish, so I shared with him that when your body stores high uric acids that form crystals in your joints, it causes gout. As per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), it is a form of arthritis that can result in painful joint swelling and inflammation.
And some fish produce high uric acid in the body, so those who suffer from gout and arthritis due to high levels of uric acid should check which fish is best for those types of patients.
Now, today, we will discuss how uric acid forms in your body and what purine is that causes gout and arthritis is Purine is present in fish, so why do we say fish is not best for gout patients, and which fish is good for uric acid?
Relax! Yes, we have lots of questions, but in this blog, we clear all misconceptions. Now, we start our blog, don’t miss any points if you have gout or arthritis, and also if you are a fish lover.
What is purine?
First, we discuss purine.
Your body produces organic substances called purines to form DNA and produce energy. Purines can also be taken in through food.
When your body breaks down purines into uric acid, you usually pass uric acid in your urine. However, if your levels of uric acid remain elevated, pointed crystals can form, leading to gout. The Johns Hopkins Arthritis Center lists the following symptoms:
- Sudden pain
- Swelling
- Inflammation
- Warmth
Now, the question arises as to how fish is related to purine and uric acid?
The answer is, Fish have purines, and which are chemical substances found naturally in the body that the body metabolizes to uric acid. As such, the first substance found in fish is purine; the body metabolizes it to uric acid.
Purine in fish, particularly oily fish and shellfish, increases uric acid levels in the body and worsens gout disease.
So, the fish is bad for gout? We take a look at which fish should be avoided.
Which Fish Should You Avoid with High Uric Acid?
Fish | Purine Content | Why Avoid | Alternative Options |
Anchovies | Very High | Triggers uric acid spikes quickly | Try white fish like cod or tilapia |
Sardines | Very High | Rich in purines, linked to gout attacks | Salmon (moderation) |
Mackerel | High | Can worsen inflammation in gout patients | Trout (small portions) |
Tuna | Moderate–High | Frequent intake may raise uric acid levels | Salmon, haddock |
Herring | High | Known gout trigger, increases uric acid load | Snapper, flounder |
Trout (large portions) | Moderate | Okay in small amounts, but risky if overeaten | Pollock, sole |
Shellfish (shrimp, crab, lobster) | High | Not fish, but often grouped as seafood triggers | Mussels occasionally, or plant proteins |
Tips:
- The worst foods for high uric acid are fish such as anchovies, sardines, herring, and mackerel.
- Occasional but not daily consumption of tuna and trout is possible.
- Adhere to low-to-moderate purine fish such as salmon, cod, haddock, or tilapia in moderation.
Which Fish Are Recommended for Patients With Gout?
Safer gout seafood includes:
- white fish like cod,
- sole, haddock,
- perch,
- salmon,
- And flounder.
These are lower in purines, the chemicals that raise uric acid and produce gout attacks. Avoid those fish that are high in purines.
Lower-Purine Fish to Include
White Fish: White fish such as cod, sole, haddock, and perch are good choices because they have low purines.
- Salmon: Excellent substitute with lower purines, high protein, and healthy omega-3 fatty acids.
- Flounder & Tilapia: These fish have moderate amounts of purine
- Catfish: Another moderate-purine Fish that can be added in small quantities.
A Gout-Friendly Diet: Tips
- Moderation is Essential: Even lower-purine fish need to be consumed in moderation, say two to three times a week.
- Drink Plenty of Water: Consume plenty of water to aid your body in flushing out uric acid.
- Balance Your Diet: Pair fish with a lot of vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat dairy to ensure a balanced intake of nutrients and control uric acid levels.
- Salmon fish and gout are considered the best fit because salmon contains moderate-purine foods, meaning it can be safely included in a gout diet in moderation.
List of foods to reduce uric acid
- Cherries and Berries: They have antioxidants and anti-inflammatory chemicals that reduce uric acid levels and fight inflammation.
- Fruits high in Vitamin C: such as citrus fruits, kiwis, and bell peppers, help to eliminate uric acid through the kidneys.
- Low-fat diet products: it may reduce uric acid levels. Milk and yogurt are excellent sources of calcium.
- Fiber-rich foods: such as oats, brown rice, and quinoa can help control uric acid levels.
- Leafy Greens: Spinach and kale are purine-free, rich in nutrients, and rich in fiber and will flush out excess uric acid.
- Nuts and Seeds: Almonds, walnuts, and chia seeds are rich in healthy fats and are low in purines.
- Water: Take a lot of water to aid your body in removing excess uric acid via urine.
- Coffee: Moderate coffee drinking is associated with a lower chance of high uric acid.
List of uric acid fruits to avoid
Fruits high in fructose, such as:
- apples,
- pears,
- mangoes,
- dried figs,
- watermelon,
- grapes,
- and prunes,
Should be avoided to prevent uric acid spikes because they increase the production of uric acid.
List of Foods to Limit or Avoid
- High-Purine Foods: Red meat, organ meats (such as liver), and certain seafood contain high amounts of purines, which the body converts into uric acid.
- Alcohol: Restrict alcohol, particularly beer and liquor, since it can disrupt uric acid excretion.
- Beverages with Sugar: Refrain from beverages containing fructose and added sugars.
- Processed Foods: These tend to have excessive amounts of unhealthy fats and sugars that can harm uric acid levels.
Frequent Ask Questions:
Conclusion:
In this blog, we see that not all fish are bad for gout; some of them are the best choice, and some are moderate to use. Also, we cover all the main points related to a gout patient’s health, including fish considerations.
If you have high uric acid, selecting low-purine fish and seafood in moderation can help manage your condition.
Always follow a doctor’s or dietitian’s advice for your personalized plan.
