A low-purine diet is often prescribed for people with gout and Lesch-Nyhan Syndrome (a rare genetic disorder that occurs in 1 out of 100,000 people). People with diabetic nephropathy need to restrict proteins, a regimen that includes, but is not limited to, the restrictions imposed by a low-purine diet.

• Completely avoid very-high-purine foods such as anchovies, broth, and dried legumes.

• Eat very little high-purine foods such as some fish, poultry, or meat.

• Eat modest amounts of moderately high-purine foods such as oatmeal, soy, and spinach.

• Consult a healthcare professional before you make major changes to your diet. Avoiding foods high in purines can lead to a very-low-protein diet if you don’t substitute appropriately.

Best bets: Cereals, eggs, cheese, fruit, nuts, milk, and many vegetables