High purine content
Purines are chemical compounds that occur naturally in some foods, and the body converts them into uric acid. Herring contains a large amount of purines, which when consumed, increase the body's production of uric acid.
Uric acid precipitation
When uric acid levels in the blood exceed normal levels, it can precipitate and form urate crystals in joints and soft tissues. These crystals are the cause of pain and inflammation, especially during acute attacks of gout.
Increased risk of acute gout attacks
For people who already have gout, eating a lot of herring can cause acute gout attacks, causing pain and swelling in the affected joints. This is the result of a sudden increase in uric acid levels, leading to the formation and deposition of urate crystals.
