How to Control Uric Acid Levels
in 10 Ways
How to
Control Uric Acid Levels in 10 Ways
High levels of uric acid in the
blood, also called hyperuricemia, can result from either increased production
of uric acid in the body or decreased excretion of it through the kidneys.
It can further lead to problems like gouty arthritis, kidney stones and renal failure.
Recent studies have also associated high blood uric acid levels with
hypertension and cardiovascular disease.
Normal uric acid levels are:
·
Men:
3.4–7.0mg/dL
·
Women:
2.4–6.0 mg/dL
The values may vary at different
labs.
Factors that can contribute to a
high uric acid level include a diet high in purines (purines are broken down
into uric acid), excess alcohol consumption, renal insufficiency, obesity,
underactive thyroid, genetics, endocrine or metabolic conditions like diabetes
or acidosis, and certain other diseases.
Certain cancers, chemotherapy agents
and other medications, such as diuretics, may also contribute to it.
Exercising, fasting and crash dieting may elevate uric acid levels temporarily.
There are some tips and natural
remedies that can help reduce and control uric acid levels. In addition, proper
diagnosis and treatment by a healthcare professional is a must.
Here are the top 10 ways to control
uric acid levels.
1. Apple Cider Vinegar
Being a natural cleanser and
detoxifier, apple cider vinegar can help remove wastes like uric acid from the
body. It contains malic acid that helps break down and eliminate uric acid.
Apple cider vinegar also helps restore the alkaline acid balance in the body
and provides anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits.
1.
Add one teaspoon of raw, organic,
unpasteurized apple cider vinegar to a glass of water.
2.
Drink this solution two or three
times a day.
You can gradually increase the
amount of apple cider vinegar up to two tablespoons per glass of water and
continue this remedy until your uric acid levels come down.
Note: Do not take apple cider vinegar in excess as
it may decrease potassium levels in the body. Also, it may interfere with
diuretic drugs.
2. Lemon Juice
Though it may seem that lemon juice
will make the body more acidic, in actuality, it produces an alkaline effect
and helps neutralize uric acid. Plus, its vitamin C content also helps lower
uric acid levels.
·
Squeeze the juice of one lemon into
a glass of warm water. Drink it in the morning on an empty stomach. Continue
for at least a few weeks.
·
You can also take vitamin C
supplements. For proper dosage and suitability, consult your doctor.
3. Cherries
Cherries and dark berries contain
chemicals that help reduce uric acid levels. Plus, purple and blue-colored
berries contain flavonoids called anthocyanins that help lower uric acid and
reduce inflammation and stiffness.
·
Eat one-half cup of cherries daily
for a few weeks. You can also drink one or two cups of tart cherry juice for
about four weeks.
·
Also, add blueberries, strawberries,
tomatoes, bell peppers, and other vitamin C and antioxidant-rich fruits and
vegetables to your diet.
·
4. Baking Soda
Baking soda, also called bicarbonate
of soda, is highly beneficial for lowering uric acid levels and reducing gout
pain. It helps maintain the natural alkaline balance in the body and makes the
uric acid more soluble and easier to flush out of the kidneys.
1.
Mix one-half teaspoon of baking soda
in a glass of water.
2.
Drink up to four glasses of this
daily for two weeks. You can drink it every two to four hours.
Note: Do not take this remedy on a regular basis. Also, do
not follow this remedy if you suffer from high blood pressure. People age 60 or
older should not drink more than three glasses of this baking soda solution
daily.
5. Olive Oil
Most vegetable oils turn into rancid
fats when heated or processed. The rancid fats destroy the vital vitamin E in
the body, which is essential for controlling uric acid levels.
Opt for cold-pressed olive oil
rather than using vegetable oil, butter or shortening in your cooking and
baking. Olive oil contains monounsaturated fats that remain stable when heated.
Plus, it is high in vitamin E and antioxidants, and has anti-inflammatory
benefits.
6. Water
Drinking plenty of water helps
optimize uric acid filtering. It helps dilute the uric acid and stimulates the
kidneys to eliminate excess amounts from the body through urine.
Plus, drinking adequate water
regularly can reduce the risk of recurrent gout attacks. In an internet-based
study presented at the 2009 annual meeting of the American College of
Rheumatology, researchers found that participants who drank five to eight
glasses of water in the 24-hour period prior to a possible gout attack had a 40
percent decreased risk of an attack compared with those who drank only one
glass of water or less.
·
Drink at least eight to 10 glasses
of water throughout the day.
·
Also, include more fluids and fresh,
water-rich fruits and vegetables in your diet.
Purines are nitrogen-containing
compounds that break down into uric acid, thus increasing levels in the body.
They are mostly found in animal proteins.
Steer clear of animal proteins like
meats, organ meats, fish and poultry. Legumes, yeast, mushrooms, asparagus and
beans are also high in purine. Beer, too, is rich in purine.
8. High-Fiber Foods and Starchy Carbohydrates
Foods high in dietary fiber help
lower uric acid levels by absorbing it and then eliminating it from the body.
You can also eat foods with starchy carbohydrates as they contain only small
amounts of purine.
Whole grains, apples, pears, oranges
and strawberries are some examples of high fiber foods that you can
incorporate in your diet. Starchy carbohydrates are foods like rice, whole
grain pasta, tapioca (also called sabudana), quinoa, potato, oats and bananas.
You can also drink green papaya tea
to prevent the buildup of uric acid and treat uric acid and gout related
problems. The papain in green papaya helps the body maintain an alkaline state
and acts as an anti-inflammatory agent.
Low-fat milk and dairy products have
been associated with lower plasma urate concentrations and reduced risk of
gout. Skim milk, for example, contains orotic acid that decreases the
re-absorption of uric acid and promotes its removal through the kidneys.
·
Drink one to five cups of skim milk
daily.
·
You can also include low-fat yogurt
and other dairy products in your diet.
Tofu, too, can help alter plasma
protein concentration and increase uric acid clearance. Soy milk, however, has
been found to increase uric acid.
Wheatgrass helps restore alkalinity
in the blood. Plus, it is rich in vitamin C, chlorophyll and phytochemicals
that promote detoxification. It is also a good source of protein and amino
acids as an alternative to eating animal protein.
Simply drink one ounce (two
tablespoons) of wheatgrass juice mixed with a squeeze of lemonjuice daily until
your uric acid level comes down.
Additional Tips
·
Limit your alcohol intake as it
interferes with the elimination of uric acid.
·
Avoid high-fructose corn syrup or
glucose-fructose syrup as they tend to increase uric acid levels.
·
Get regular exercise and maintain a
healthy weight. It is believed that fatty tissue tends to increase uric acid
production.
·
Eat a balanced diet that is high in
complex carbohydrates and low in protein. Avoid refined carbohydrates such as
white bread, cakes and candies.
·
Cut back on foods high in fat as it
lowers the body’s ability to eliminate uric acid.
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