How to Reduce Uric Acid Naturally?

Suffering from painful joints? High uric acid levels are believed to be the most common reason. But what causes uric acid levels to rise and are there natural ways to reduce uric acid? 

Uric acid is a natural waste compound released during the digestion of foods rich in purines, a chemical compound comprising carbon and nitrogen atoms. As the body fails to digest it, the uric acid is typically filtered through the kidneys and excreted as urinary waste. But slow elimination can cause a state of high uric acid in blood ( hyperuricemia) which may lead to formation of urate crystals which may get accumulated in joints. Read on to learn how to reduce uric acid naturally.

Tips to Reduce Uric Acid Naturally

When the rate of production of uric acid in the body is faster than its elimination rate, the excess begins to build up in the blood. The known reasons for uric acid accumulation are diet, genetics, underlying medical conditions, and obesity. The symptoms of uric acid build-up include severe and painful joint swelling. As the condition affects the quality of life, it is important to keep the uric acid levels in check. Listed below are ways to reduce uric acid levels.

1. Cut Down on Purine-Rich Foods

Purine is a naturally occurring compound. It is abundantly present in foods like red meat, organ meats, fish, shellfish, poultry, and legumes. The metabolism of purine-rich food leads to the production of uric acid in the body. Limiting the intake of foods rich in purines can halt the release of uric acid in the body.

2. Avoid Sugars

While a high-protein diet is typically associated with high uric acid levels, excessive sugar intake also plays a spoilsport. It is an important uric acid food to avoid. Metabolism of fructose, a natural sugar found in fruits, leads to the release of purines which further increases uric acid levels in the body. To limit your sugar intake, avoid processed and packaged foods and prefer eating more whole foods.

3. Drink Plenty of Water

The digestion of purine-rich foods leads to the release of uric acid in the blood. Drinking plenty of water can help reduce uric acid as the uric acid in the blood is filtered in the kidneys and excreted through urine. Drinking water and fluids throughout the day will help the kidneys flush out uric acid. A larger intake of water will help the kidneys do this faster.

4. Skip Alcohol

Although alcohol is a diuretic which causes increased passing of urine, it leaves the body dehydrated. This causes high uric acid levels. Also, alcohol, like beer, contains high amounts of purine. It also affects the rate at which uric acid is secreted in the body.

5. Consume Coffee

Coffee is a natural stimulant. It also helps cut down on serum uric acid levels circulating in the body by inhibiting the functioning of the enzyme responsible for breaking down purines. This lowers the rate of uric acid production. Furthermore, coffee increases the rate of excretion of uric acid.

6. Maintain a Healthy Weight

High uric acid treatment typically includes maintaining a healthy weight. In the first place, wrong food choices lead to weight gain. The packed pounds, in turn, increase uric acid production and reduce the excretion of uric acid in urine. Obesity also aggravates the symptoms of uric acid.

7. Eat High-Fibre Foods

Plenty of high-fibre foods in the diet can reduce uric acid levels. A fibre-rich diet keeps blood sugar and insulin levels in check. Furthermore, as they have a high satiety quotient, they prevent overeating and associated weight gain.  

Important Foods That’ll Help Reduce Uric Acid

Some uric acid foods, when added to the daily diet, can help reduce uric acid levels naturally. Listed below are foods to lower uric acid:

1. Apples

Apples are one of the best uric acid foods. They contain high amounts of malic acid, which help neutralise the effect of uric acid in the blood. 

2. Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar, made by fermentation of apples, helps the body lose weight and reduce inflammation. This directly reduces the levels of uric acid circulating in the blood. The high malic acid content further helps in breaking down the uric acid.

3. French Bean Juice

Pinto French Beans are low-purine beans. A glass of french bean juice consumed twice a day helps in lowering the release of uric acid in the body.

4. Cherries

Cherries contain high amounts of anthocyanins, anti-inflammatory compounds that help reduce uric acid levels. The compounds also prevent the crystallisation of uric acid. It is the uric acid crystals that deposit in the joints to cause severe pain and joint inflammation.

5. Berries

Like cherries, berries, too, possess anti-inflammatory properties. Furthermore, dark-coloured berries also contain chemicals that help lower uric acid levels.

6. Vegetable Juice

Fresh vegetable juice, especially the one prepared from carrots, beetroot, and cucumber, is an effective home remedy for high uric acid treatment. This vegetable smoothie helps dissolve uric acid crystals and expedites their removal from the body. 

7. Pineapple Juice

Pineapple juice contains an enzyme called bromelain, which dissolves uric acid. This helps remove excess uric acid from the body through urine. Pineapple juice is one of the best uric acid foods for quick relief from pain and inflammation.

8. Low Fat Dairy 

Proteins present in milk help in the excretion of uric acid in urine. Thus, consuming low-fat dairy products can help control high uric acid levels and reduce the risk of gout flare-ups.

9. Lemons

Adding lemon juice to your daily diet can help reduce uric acid levels. Lime juice contains high amounts of citric acid, which help dissolve uric acid. This can help check high uric acid levels. Other vitamin-C-rich foods like amla, kiwi, oranges, and tomatoes also help to disintegrate uric acid and flush it out in the urine.

10. Olive Oil

Olive oil contains high amounts of antioxidants and exhibits anti-inflammatory properties, which work in tandem to reduce uric acid levels in the body. For best results, use cold-pressed olive oil as it contains healthy fats which help treat joint swelling. 

11. Green Tea 

Besides promoting weight loss, green tea is known to help control problems associated with high uric acid levels. 

12. Banana

Bananas are a rich source of Vitamin C and are low in purines. This makes it a perfect food for high uric acid treatment.  

13. Tomatoes

Tomatoes are alkaline. This helps prevent the formation of high uric acid in the blood and also maintains uric acid levels in the bloodstream. 

Uric Acid Food to Avoid

Some foods trigger the production of uric acid in the body. Listed below are uric acid foods to avoid. 

1. Sugary Drinks

Almost 50% of standard table sugar comprises fructose which breaks down directly into uric acid. Cut down on sweetened and sugary drinks to reduce uric acid levels.

2. Alcohol

High alcohol consumption prevents the kidneys from eliminating uric acid from the body. 

3. Meat and Seafood

Certain kinds of meat, like red meat and organ meat and seafood like herring, scallops, codfish, tuna, trout, haddock, and shellfish, are purine-rich foods. Metabolism of such foods results in a higher release of uric acid.

Conclusion

Hyperuricemia, or high uric acid levels in the bloodstream, can be debilitating. The condition is often marked by severe joint pain and swelling. This happens when the rate of production of uric acid in the body is faster than its excretion, leading to its accumulation in the body. Diet, genetics, underlying health conditions, and obesity contribute significantly to high uric acid levels. But thankfully, there are natural ways to reduce uric acid levels. 

As uric acid is a by-product of digestion, the choice of foods plays a pivotal role in keeping a check on the increased levels. Thus, a healthy diet, proper exercise, and good lifestyle habits can go a long way in keeping symptoms of uric acid low and manageable.