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Do you know someone who frequently complains of joint pains? This could be due to high uric acid levels, which bring about pain and discomfort. Uric acid is often a waste product formed from the breakdown of purines, a component found in many protein-rich foods. A very high level of uric acid can lead to a condition called gout (an excruciating type of arthritis) or even joint issues and kidney problems. In 2020, 55.8 million people globally were diagnosed with gout. The prevalence was 3.26 times higher in males than females and increased with age.1 This blog post discusses reducing uric acid in the body, a common risk factor for developing gout.
Synopsis
What causes high uric acid levels?
A standard uric acid level in our body is 6.8 milligrams per decilitre (mg/dL). Normally, the uric acid formed within the body is filtered by the kidneys and removed from the body through urine. A value higher than this may indicate hyperuricemia, which may lead to gout and make the urine more acidic.
A condition of high uric acid levels develops when either the body produces excess uric acid or cannot remove enough. Additionally, purine-rich foods (meat, seafood, and alcohol), obesity, dehydration, kidney issues, certain medications, high blood pressure, and diabetes cause high uric acid levels. With high uric acid levels, uric acid crystals deposit in joints, causing inflammation and pain, leading to gout.
How to reduce uric acid in the body naturally?
Dietary measures, medications, and supplements all help in reducing uric acid levels and managing gout. Here’s how to reduce uric acid levels in the body:
- Keep yourself hydrated
Adequate hydration is key to eliminating excess uric acid from the body. Make sure to drink at least 2 litres of water daily.
- Consume low-purine foods
Purines are compounds that occur naturally in foods; their breakdown produces uric acid. Adopt a diet that is low in purine, including more fruits (cherries, bananas, apples, and oranges), vegetables (leafy greens, bell peppers, celery, and cucumbers), and low-fat dairy (cheese, curd, and milk).
- Increase fibre intake
Individuals with high uric acid levels must consume a diet rich in fibre. This helps in absorbing and excreting excess uric acid from the body. Fibre-rich foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes can help reduce uric acid levels within the body. Most adults must ensure they take 22 to 34 grams of fibre through their diet. If you are taking less fibre, increase your intake gradually to avoid digestive discomfort.
- Increase vitamin C intake
Vitamin C facilitates the reduction of uric acid levels naturally. Include good sources of vitamin C-rich foods, such as oranges, strawberries, bell peppers, kiwi, and spinach, to eliminate uric acid efficiently.
- Avoid sugary foods or beverages
Sugary foods or beverages contain fructose, which can increase your uric acid levels. In particular, sodas, fruit juices, and processed foods are the main culprits for increased uric acid levels. Instead, consider beverage options like green tea and hibiscus tea to reduce your uric acid level and prevent the development of gout.
- Drink coffee
According to research, coffee may reduce uric acid levels by competing with the enzymes that produce uric acid and also increase the rate at which the body excretes uric acid.5
- Maintain a healthy weight
Obesity, or being overweight, is linked to higher uric acid levels. Therefore, ensuring adequate body weight can reduce your uric acid level and prevent the development of gout. However, avoid extreme weight loss methods or crash diets, as they may temporarily increase your uric acid levels.
- Exercise regularly
Daily exercise has numerous health benefits, one of which is the reduction of uric acid levels. Engaging in brisk walking, jogging, or cycling can aid with the excretion of uric acid.
- Avoid alcohol
Drinking alcohol can lead to dehydration and may also increase uric acid levels. Alcohols such as beer contain high uric acid levels.
- Avoid medications that raise uric acid levels
Some medications, such as diuretics (furosemide and hydrochlorothiazide), immunosuppressants, and low-dose aspirin, may elevate uric acid levels. Contact your doctor to change the medications or stop them.
- Try taking supplements
Some supplements can aid in lowering uric acid levels. Examples of such supplements include vitamin C, omega-3 fatty acid, folic acid, and turmeric capsules. However, it’s best to seek advice from a doctor before taking these supplements and to make sure they do not interfere with current medications.
Conclusion
High uric acid levels can damage our joints, kidneys, and overall health. How to reduce uric acid in the body is the primary question we all face. Although there are prescription medications that can rapidly decrease uric acid levels, natural methods are also effective in reducing uric acid levels. If you want to seek treatment for your high uric acid levels or gout, consult our expert Nephrologists at Manipal Hospitals Bhubaneswar.
FAQ's
Higher levels of uric acid cause crystal formations in the joint (gout) and cause malfunctioning of kidneys due to kidney stones. Therefore, it becomes important to reduce uric acid levels to preserve one’s health.
Making necessary dietary changes along with stopping some medications can help lower uric acid levels. In addition, taking some supplements helps with a faster reduction of uric acid levels. Some of the prescription medications, like xanthine and oxidase inhibitors, can help lower uric acid levels quickly.
Consuming a diet low in purine-rich foods such as fruits (cherries, bananas, apples, and oranges), vegetables (leafy greens, bell peppers, celery, and cucumbers), and low-fat dairy (cheese, curd, and milk) to keep your uric acid levels low. Other food options include peanut butter and nuts, pasta, rice, and more.
Drinking adequate water is enough to flush excess uric acid from our bodies. Drink at least 8 glasses of water. The more you urinate, the better it is to flush uric acid from the body.
To schedule an appointment at Manipal Hospitals, contact our Nephrology Department or visit our website.
Visit: https://www.manipalhospitals.com/bhubaneswar/specialities/nephrology/
Contact no: 0674 666 6600
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