Expert: Dr. Ravindra Bhaskar Ghooi - 5/16/2007

Question
have a high uric acid level of 9, which I confirmed from three labs. Though the high uric levels have not manifested with gout. My internist put me on allopurinol-100 twice and after three months the uric acid level came to 4. But as soon as allopurinol was discontinued and again uric acid level rose to 7/8  Again my doctor said that I will have to take zyloric 100 twice that too possibly for lifelong. I was told by my family doctor that prolonged use of allopurinol is not desirable because of serious side effects. Can you guide me whether prolonged use of allopurinol is not desirable. What should I do  

Answer
Hi Harsvadan,
There are two ways to control uric acid level, first is to take drugs which reduce it and second to take a diet which will not contribute to uric acid.
I would agree with your doctor and suggest that uric acid level should be reduced, but this may be done by altering diet.
Uric acid problems are more with people who have high protein in their diet, I would suggest you reduce the consumption of protiens like meat and milk and substitute it with carbohydrates. There are more authoritative books on diets which control uric acid I suggest you consult them, these diets do work.
Ravi Ghooi