Chana Dal and Arthritis: Why Protein is Not Always Bad for Uric Acid
Why this topic matters
People with arthritis or high uric acid often ask:
“Should I stop eating chana dal?” or “Is chana dal bad for uric acid?”
The answer: For most people, chana dal is safe – even if you have arthritis or slightly high uric acid.
What is uric acid?
- Uric acid is a waste product.
- Your body makes it when breaking down purines – these come from your own cells and some foods.
- Kidneys filter uric acid and remove it in urine.
- If the level rises too much, crystals can form. This can cause gout or kidney stones in some people.
📖 Reference: Richette P, Bardin T. Lancet. 2010;375:318–328.
Does all protein raise uric acid?
No. Not all proteins are the same.
- High-purine proteins (organ meats, certain seafood, red meat) can raise uric acid.
- Plant proteins like chana dal, moong dal, soy, rajma, and dairy proteins do not increase gout risk in healthy kidneys.
📖 Reference: Choi HK et al. N Engl J Med. 2004;350:1093–1103.
Nutritional value of cooked chana dal (per 1 cup ≈ 152 g)
- Calories: 269 kcal
- Protein: 14.5 g
- Fibre: 12.5 g
- Fat: 4.3 g
- Potassium: 477 mg
- Phosphorus: 276 mg
📖 Source: USDA FoodData Central
💡 Why this matters: Chana dal is high in protein and fibre. It supports muscle strength, weight control, and gut health.
Chana dal and arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA)
- RA is caused by the immune system attacking joints.
- Protein helps keep muscles strong and joints supported.
- Chana dal gives plant-based protein without increasing inflammation.
Osteoarthritis (OA)
- OA is due to wear and tear of joints.
- Good protein intake helps maintain mobility and reduce muscle loss.
Gout / High uric acid
- Chana dal can be eaten in moderation.
- It is not a common cause of gout flares.
- The main foods to limit are alcohol (especially beer), organ meats, certain fish, and sugary drinks.
📖 Reference: Choi HK et al. BMJ. 2014;349:g5593.
Do you need treatment for high uric acid?
Not always.
- Many people have high uric acid without symptoms – this is called asymptomatic hyperuricemia.
- In such cases, treatment is usually not needed unless you develop gout, kidney stones, or other related problems.
📖 Reference: FitzGerald JD et al. Arthritis Care Res. 2020;72(6):744–760.
What about kidney disease (low eGFR)?
- People with kidney disease need to manage total protein intake.
- Plant proteins like chana dal can be part of the plan in most cases.
- Your doctor may adjust the portion size depending on your blood tests.
- There is no strong evidence to ban chana dal in Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)– it’s about total protein control.
📖 Reference: Kalantar-Zadeh K et al. CJASN. 2020;15(10):1556–1563.
Practical tips
- 1–2 servings of cooked chana dal daily is safe for most people.
- Cook with turmeric, cumin, and vegetables for extra health benefits.
- Drink enough water to help kidneys flush out uric acid.
- Avoid excess alcohol and sugary drinks.
Key takeaways
- Chana dal is a healthy source of plant protein.
- It is safe for most people with arthritis and even for those with mildly high uric acid.
- High uric acid alone does not always need medicines.
- Food choices should be personalised with your doctor’s advice.
References
Richette P, Bardin T. Gout. Lancet. 2010;375:318–328.
Choi HK et al. Purine-rich foods, dairy and protein intake, and the risk of gout in men. N Engl J Med. 2004;350:1093–1103.
Choi HK, Curhan G. Soft drinks, fructose consumption, and the risk of gout in men. BMJ. 2014;349:g5593.
FitzGerald JD et al. 2020 American College of Rheumatology Guideline for the Management of Gout. Arthritis Care Res. 2020;72(6):744–760.
Kalantar-Zadeh K et al. Plant-Dominant Low-Protein Diet for CKD. CJASN. 2020;15(10):1556–1563.
How We Help at Nirjara Multispeciality Clinic
At Nirjara Multispeciality Clinic, we treat patients with high uric acid, gout, and arthritis using the right medicines, personalised diet advice, and long-term lifestyle care. Under the guidance of Dr. Nilesh Nolkha, we clear food myths and help patients live healthier, pain-free lives.