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.
High uric acid level can be reduced with a change in diet. Doctors strongly recommend making simple changes in diet like eliminating beef rolls and choosing green leafy vegetables, cabbage and high fiber foods instead for regulating uric acid levels.
Uric Acid in Blood
The blood uric acid test measures the amount of uric acid in a blood sample. Uric acid is produced from the natural breakdown of your body's cells and from the foods you eat.
Most of the uric acid is filtered out by the kidneys and passes out of the body in urine. A small amount passes out of the body in stool. But if too much uric acid is being produced or if the kidneys are not able to remove it from the blood normally, the level of uric acid in the blood increases.
High levels of uric acid in the blood can cause solid crystals to form within joints. This causes a painful condition called gout 
. If goutremains untreated, these uric acid crystals can build up in the joints and nearby tissues, forming hard lumpy deposits called tophi. High levels of uric acid may also cause kidney stones or kidney failure.
. If goutremains untreated, these uric acid crystals can build up in the joints and nearby tissues, forming hard lumpy deposits called tophi. High levels of uric acid may also cause kidney stones or kidney failure.
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.
- Add one teaspoon of raw, organic, unpasteurized apple cider vinegar to a glass of water.
- 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.
- Mix one-half teaspoon of baking soda in a glass of water.
- 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.
Uric acid: Manage high uric acid with nutrition tip #1
High-fibre foods..
According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, adding foods high in dietary fibre may help lower uric acid levels in your blood. Dietary fibre may help absorb uric acid in your bloodstream, allowing it to be eliminated from your body through your kidneys. Increase the consumption of dietary soluble fibres such as Isabgol, Oats, Spinach, Broccoli to name few.
Uric acid: Manage high uric acid with nutrition tip #2
Use cold-pressed olive oil in cooking instead of shortening, butter or vegetable oils. Oils that have been subjected to heat or processing turn rancid quickly. Rancid fats destroy vitamin E in your body - this vitamin is necessary for controlling uric acid levels. Olive oil helps you avoid the production of excess uric acid, which is associated with the consumption of rancid fats.
Uric acid: Manage high uric acid with nutrition tip #3
To help reduce the amount of uric acid in your system, regularly taking 500 milligrams of vitamin C will decrease your uric acid levels in a month or two.
Uric acid: Manage high uric acid with nutrition tip #4
Avoid cakes, pastries, cookies and other sugary delights which are rich in saturated fats and trans fats.
Uric acid: Manage high uric acid with nutrition tip #5
This is also a popular natural remedy for gout and uric acid problems. The seeds of the celery plant have long been used to treat gout, rheumatism and arthritis. Celery possesses sedative, antioxidant and mild diuretic action and is considered a urinary antiseptic. In rare cases, this herb is also used to treat sleeplessness, anxiety and nervous breakdown. Although the seeds of this plant are often used in herbal supplements, the roots may also be used.
Uric acid: Manage high uric acid with nutrition tip #6
Fruits and vegetables such as red bell peppers, tomatoes, blueberries, broccoli and grapes are rich sources of antioxidant vitamins. Antioxidants which are vitamins that prevent free radical molecules from attacking your organ and muscle tissue cells may help lower uric acid levels.
Uric acid: Manage high uric acid with nutrition tip #7
Cherries contain chemical compounds that may help neutralise uric acid allowing your body to eliminate this acid as waste. Some researchers recommend consuming 30 to 40 cherries every four hours during an attack.
Uric acid: Manage high uric acid with nutrition tip #8
It is believed that raw, apple cider vinegar can help alleviate high uric acid levels by changing the pH values of your blood. But it has to be raw, un-distilled, un-pasteurised apple cider vinegar; the kind you get from your local health food store.
Dr Sharad advices a simple home remedy, "Add 2 teaspoons of vinegar to a large glass of water and stir thoroughly. Drink a glass between 2 and 3 times every day. You can also use it topically: half a cup added to three cups of hot water and soak the affected area for 30 minutes. Reheat and repeat as necessary."
More...
Uric acid: Manage high uric acid with nutrition tip #9
Saturated fat, trans fat, sugar and alcohol
All these affect your triglycerides, a type of fat that can clog your arteries and increase your risk for heart attacks and strokes.
Uric acid: Manage high uric acid with nutrition tip #10
High-fructose corn syrup
This is a type of sweetener in soft drinks and other processed foods that can elevate your levels of triglyceride and uric acid - a chemical associated with diabetes, gout, alcoholism, kidney disease and other health problems.
Uric acid: Manage high uric acid with nutrition tip #11
Drink plenty of fluids to help flush uric acid from your body
Drink a minimum of 3 and 1/2 liters of water daily. Water is a medium that aids the kidney to 'strain' the impurities from your body.
Uric acid: Manage high uric acid with nutrition tip #12
Also avoid high-protein weight-loss diets which can cause you to produce too much uric acid (hyperuricemia).
Uric acid: Manage high uric acid with nutrition tip #13
Limit meat, poultry and fish - animal proteins are high in purine and this will result in high uric acid levels in the body
Uric acid: Manage high uric acid with nutrition tip #14
Alcohol interferes with the elimination of uric acid from your body. Drinking beer in particular has been linked to gout attacks. If you are prone to uric acid attacks, limit alcohol consumption to one drink three times a week.
Uric acid: Manage high uric acid with nutrition tip #15
Choose complex carbohydrates
Eat more whole grains, fruits and vegetables and fewer refined carbohydrates such as white bread, cakes and candy. Because foods rich in complex carbohydrates promote feelings of fullness, and prevent overeating and are useful in maintaining a healthy weight.
Prepared by: M.Ajmal Khan.
Thanks :Dr. Sharad Kasarle, ( DSK Nutrition Research Center, Mumbai)
Dr.Peer Mohammed (Karaikudi, Tamil Nadu)
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