Excessive uric acid in the bloodstream may cause uric acid crystals to accumulate in the joints. This painful condition, called hyperuricemia and better knows as gout, stems from a diet high in nitrogen-rich compounds called purines. Purine metabolism releases uric acid. Limiting foods high in purine and uric acids is the most effective way to prevent gout.Protein and Uric AcidA study from the January 2005 journal Arthritis and Rheumatology found that certain types of protein foods raise blood levels of uric acid in adults, while other types of protein lowered it. Purine-packed beef, **** and sheep organ meats and seafood including anchovies, cod, haddock, mackerel, mussels and halibut all elevated blood uric acid.One daily serving of protein-rich but purine-free milk or yogurt lowered blood uric acid. The study concluded that purine and not protein consumption causes uric acid buildup.Purines Related to High Uric AcidA 1982 University of Munich study found that hypoxanthine- and xanthine-based purines were the most likely to elevate uric acid levels. Not surprisingly, organ meats and seafood proteins contain these purines. They're also present in baker's yeast, chanterelle and boletus mushrooms and ****.Alcohol and Uric AcidResearchers at Massachusetts General Hospitably published a 12-year study linking high uric acid and alcohol consumption. None of the more than 47,000 participants had a history of gout. At the study's conclusion, they had reported 730 incidents of the disease.The researchers found that men who drank alcohol had a significantly greater incidence of gout than non-drinkers. They also learned that the amount and type of alcohol consumed effected gout frequency. Men who consumed the largest amounts of **** or spirits each day had the most attacks. Moderate **** consumption didn't raise the risk of gout.Avoiding Foods High in Uric AcidThe Mayo Clinic recommends replacing meats high in purines with protein-rich plant foods including beans or soy. Consuming 16 to 24 ounces of dairy products each day boosts protein intake and may lower uric acid levels.