| Purin Per Cent. | ||
| Cocoa | contains | 1.00 per pint |
| Tea | “ | 1.20 per pint |
| Coffee | “ | 1.70 per pint |
Purins are soluble in water, hence those foods that are boiled contain less than those prepared by other methods of cookery.
Foods More or Less Condemned.—Salt has a tendency to bring about a deposit of sodium urates in the body, and for this reason should be sparingly used in the preparation of the diet. Alkaline waters are inclined to produce a like result, consequently should be avoided by the gouty individual. Condiments and spices are conducive to constipation, a condition to be avoided if possible under the circumstances. Certain physicians prohibit the use of oranges in the diet of gout, while others do not. Strawberries are likewise condemned and should be eliminated from the diet for both chronic and acute gout.
Diet in Chronic Gout.—In chronic gout it is necessary to maintain the general health of the patient by a well-balanced diet. This is not difficult even if the dietary is so regulated as to be well within the limits of his energy requirements. It is necessary to limit the purin-bearing foods. Meats are used sparingly and these should be boiled rather than roasted or broiled. Eggs and cheese and milk should be substituted for at least part of the regular allowance of meat.
Exercise and Massage.—The patient should be recommended to take a certain amount of mild exercise in the open air, or massage if he is accustomed to living an indoor life or is confined to office work. He must be warned against overindulgences of all kinds, especially of overeating and drinking. A glass or two of hot water before breakfast is recommended.
Treatment of Obesity.—The treatment of obesity when occurring in gouty patients is much like that used in other conditions. Ebstein regards obesity under such circumstances as an unfavorable symptom. He advises a reduction in the carbohydrates to the smallest possible amount and allows meat and fats in the diet.
Allowable Foods.—The following foods are practically purin-free and may be used in the diet of gout:[157] Milk, cheese, butter, eggs, nuts, gelatin, fruits, sugar, breads made with white flour, cereals, cream of wheat, farina, rice, hominy, tapioca, cornstarch, potatoes and other root vegetables, green vegetables, except asparagus, spinach, and all fats.
Avoidable Foods.—The following foods are rich in purins and should be avoided in the diet for gout: Sweetbreads, liver, kidneys, beef, mutton, veal, pork, turkey, chicken, goose, rabbit, duck and other game, fish, with the exception of cod, sardines, and anchovies, tea, coffee, and cocoa.
The following list shows the purin content of some of the above-mentioned foods. The purins are computed by Hall as follows: 1 kilogram contains,