Question: Do you have any information on low purine diets.  I have a urate stone I would like to dissolve from my kidney and have heard that a low purine diet helps.

Heather: These stones are the result of a build up of uric acid in the blood. When uric acid accumulates it forms urate crystals that are deposited in the joints, tendons, ears and kidneys. People who suffer from urate stones or gout should avoid foods high in purines, which are broken down into uric acid.

Foods that are high in purines include anchovies, bouillon, brains, broth, consommé, goose, gravy, heart herring and kidney. You should also avoid mackerel, meat extracts, mincemeat, mussels, partridge, roe, sardines, scallops and sweetbreads.

Finally, be cautious when drinking alcohol because it can increase the production of uric acid while interfering with its elimination in the kidneys.