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Figuring Out Purines

We’re breaking down everything you need to know about this compound. 

10min
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The article explains purines, molecules found in our DNA and RNA that are produced inside our body's cells (endogenous) and enter the body through food (exogenous). Consuming a lot of foods rich in purines can lead to excess uric acid in the bloodstream, causing conditions like arthritis and gout. Foods high in purines include red meat, alcohol, fish, seafood, peas, lentils, and beans. A balanced diet with moderate consumption of purine-rich foods and purine-low foods like vegetables, low-fat foods, fruits, and coffee can help maintain healthy uric acid levels.

We’re all generally told to watch what we eat, but have you ever wondered why? Well, we have one reason for you: purines. Being present in almost every major food that we consume, having a good idea of how it affects our body’s metabolism could help you manage the negative effects of our everyday eating. Now, there will be science jargon coming up, but don’t worry, we’ll make sure all this information will be easily digestible!

 

Starting off, what are purines anyway? The simple answer is they are molecules made up of carbon and nitrogen atoms. Think of them as the building blocks that our cells use to build important things. They’re found in our DNA and RNA, also known as our genetic code. If you’ve seen that cool diagram of a DNA in school, you probably remember that upright spiral part—those are purines bonded by hydrogen, adenine and guanine to be precise. 

The Ins and Outs of Purine

There are only two to keep track of. To have an easier time remembering these, just keep note of two words: “in and out.”

 

  • Endogenous

These are the “locals”, those produced inside our body’s cells. These make up around two-thirds of our body's purine count and are in a regular state of renewal.

 

  • Exogenous

Opposite of the former, these are the “foreign” ones, entering the body through food. These purines are metabolized in our digestive system to make up a third of our body’s total purine count.

 

Exogenous purines are one of the reasons why doctors recommend watching what you eat. This leads us to a term that gets some people’s feet twitching: uric acid. 

Break it Down

Ever had a doctor tell you to maintain or watch out for your uric acid levels? Purines get broken down during metabolism, which then creates uric acid. Around 90% of uric acid’s composition is reabsorbed by the body itself and stays in the blood, while the rest is eliminated through normal bodily functions.

 

Eating a lot of foods rich in purines can lead to more uric acid in the bloodstream, forming small crystals that accumulate in joints which result in conditions like arthritis and gout. Kidney problems can also contribute to an excess in uric acid when they fail to eliminate them through urine. 

Find the In-Between with Purine

We all love protein, but if we don’t control our consumption, it may lead to excess uric acid production when having too much of foods like animal meats. This isn’t exclusive to proteins, though. Consuming alcohol and food filled with saturated fat also contributes to this surplus.  

 

Purines can be easily found in different foods, such as: 

  • Red meat
  • Alcoholic drinks, especially beer
  • Fish
  • Anchovies
  • Seafood in general
  • Foods with excess sugar
  • Soft drinks
  • Peas
  • Lentils
  • Beans

 

Don’t feel sad seeing some of those tasty options mentioned above. Doctors actually recommend a more balanced diet, including a moderate consumption of purine-rich foods. To strike a balance, you can also choose purine-low foods, like: 

  • Vegetables
  • Low-fat foods
  • White cheeses
  • Low-fat yogurt
  • Vegetable proteins
  • Fruits
  • Coffee

 

Keeping your uric acid levels at bay can be achieved by seemingly mundane ways like regular water consumption and exercise. Remember that purine plays a part in ensuring our body functions properly, but too much of it—or anything, for that matter—is not good for your health. Keep in mind the tips you learned here and maintain your body’s digestive balance.