Wiesbaden, Germany  - Patients with kidney stones should follow a low-purine diet, according to Germany's Professional Association of Internists.

Such a diet can reduce the concentration of uric acid in the blood which is linked to the formation of kidney stones.

Foods containing low levels of purine include eggs, fruit, vegetables and dairy products. Sufferers can also reduce the levels

of uric acid in the blood by drinking a minimum of three litres of fluids a day such as mineral water, diluted fruit juices or tea.

The presence of a kidney stone is a first possible sign of gout or a chronic kidney illness, the association warns. In 40 per cent of all cases of gout, kidney stones formed before symptoms appeared.

Patients should consult a specialist to determine the type of kidney stone present. If the stone contains uric acid crystals, there is a higher risk of chronic kidney damage.

For more information, see the following internet websites: www. dietitian. com/gout. html www. seekwellness. com/gout/what_is_gout. htm www. medicinenet. com/kidney_stone/article. htm (dpa)