Q: My uric acid is 7.7 mg/d. What foods should be avoided by me?

A:Uric acid is a breakdown product of a class of substances called purines. Its levels may go up due to increased purine metabolism or increased dietary intake of purine-rich food. The blood levels of uric acid depend on the balance between the breakdown of purines and the rate of uric acid excretion by the kidney. The diet generally advocated is rich in sugars, starches, and fats. The source of protein should be eggs and cheese. One should avoid meats, poultry, fish, seafood, alcohol and legumes (beans, peas etc.). Drink plenty of fluids and lose weight, if obese.