Not everyone thinks about how strongly the products they eat affect their health. At the same time, you should keep in mind, that if you consume large amounts of even healthy foods, then they can also have a detrimental effect on your health.
Of particular importance in this process are purines. They are natural compounds, which are found in almost all cells of the body and products. But are purines dangerous and if so, why exactly?
What are purines?
They are complex biochemical compounds, whose metabolic product is uric acid. They play an important role in the formation of DNA and RNA in the body, as well as many coenzymes. With the accumulation of a large number of purines in the body, their elimination and use is disrupted, as a result of which human self-esteem deteriorates.
Determining the level of these compounds in the body is quite simple and you can undergo a special examination by your doctor. Purines are part of almost all natural ingredients and foods. According to many studies, a normal adult diet should contain no more than 650-1000 milligrams of purines. The largest amount of purines is found in foods such as:
- Meat products (kidneys, tongue, heart, liver, brain);
- Seafood and fish (sardines, mackerel, herring, pink salmon, oysters, perch, mussels, shrimp, lobsters);
- Sausages and bacon;
- Coffee, cocoa and chicory;
- Chocolate;
- Black tea;
- Alcoholic beverages (including beer);
- Cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, spinach, beets, asparagus, beans, peas, lentils;
- Some cereals (buckwheat, rice, oats).
An interesting fact is that purines are very sensitive to temperature. This means, that the cooking method is very important for the content of this substance in our food. For example, fried meat has been shown to contain more purines than stewed meat.
What diseases causes excess purines?
Excessive accumulation of purines and uric acid is closely linked to the development of gout. Everyone has heard of this extremely unpleasant disease at least once in their life. In 90% of cases, the joint of the first toe is affected: it swells, reddens and heats up. The duration of this attack can last from several days to weeks and in the absence of taking adequate measures, this can even lead to disability. Another characteristic sign of the development of the disease is the formation on the skin surface of small nodules. They can be located on the eyelids, ears or elbow joints.
How to organize your diet properly?
Purines are found in almost all foods, but this is not a reason to starve and follow a strict diet. Doctors recommend doing the following:
- Calculate the optimal amount of daily protein intake, fat, carbohydrates and calories according to your weight, age and gender. This will help you not to overeat;
- Meat should be present in the daily diet of every person, but it is not necessary to add to every dish. There are many alternatives, that will allow you to eat meat and meat products no more than 1-2 times a day and not every day;
- See your doctor regularly and get tested. This principle is especially important for those patients who are hereditarily predisposed to gout.
A careful approach to the preparation of products that are particularly rich in purines will help you avoid possible health problems associated with excessive consumption of this substance.
If you still have any complaints or doubts about the right approach to your diet, you can always consult a dietitian or your doctor for advice and help in your situation.
