Dealing With High Uric Acid Levels? (Win The War Against Hyperuricemia)

Uric acid is a chemical substance found in our body. It is a by-product of purine metabolism.

Uric acid dissolved in the blood passes through the kidneys and gets eliminated from the body during urination. Since uric acid is a waste product, its proper metabolism and elimination out of the body are important.

While normal levels of Uric acid in the body don't cause any issue, increase in its levels can cause a variety of problems.

Why do Uric Acid levels get high?

A balance between the production of Uric acid in the body and excretion of uric acid out of the body is very important to maintain its acceptable levels. If the body produces too much uric acid and the kidneys don’t excrete it fast enough out of the body, uric acid levels rise.

Increased uric acid in the blood is known as hyperuricemia.

A significant rise in Uric Acid levels for a long period of time may lead to several health problems.

Signs that indicate high Uric Acid levels -

• Lethargy
• Fever
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Pain in groin area
• Pain in joints
• Small lumps underneath the skin
• Swelling around joints
• Tenderness in joints
• Pain and redness around joints

What are the dangers of high uric acid levels?

High uric acid levels lead to serious health issues. Some of which are -

• Gout
• Cardiac disorders
• Kidney Stones
• Kidney Failure
• High Blood Pressure

What causes Uric Acid?

• High alcohol consumption
• Frequent alcohol consumption.
• Obesity.
• Purine-rich diet.
• Kidney diseases.

5 Natural Ways To Reduce Uric Acid

Healthy diet and lifestyle serve a very important role in maintaining uric acid levels in the body.

Here are some ways how you can efficiently reduce uric acid levels -

#1. Avoid alcohol

Frequent consumption of alcohol can lead to a lot of problems and one of these problems is the increase in uric acid levels. If you drink frequently or drink in large amounts it's time that you cut back a little. Alcohol can make your Kidneys work overtime and hinder the excretion of Uric acid.

Alcoholic beverages like beer are rich in purines. Too much intake of purine-rich beverages can cause an increase in uric acid production in the body.

#2. Avoid Purine-rich foods

Purine-rich foods produce uric acid in the body while they get digested. Some of these are

• Pork
• Turkey
• Sardines
• Bacon
• Liver
• Shellfish
• Mutton
• Veal
• Cauliflower
• Green peas
• Dried beans
• Mushrooms

High intake of these foods can cause an imbalance in purine metabolism and elimination.

#3. Lose weight

If you are on the heavier side of the scale it's time that you shed a few pounds. Fat cells make more uric acid than muscles. Heavy weight makes it harder for your Kidneys to get rid of Uric acid from the body. Losing weight in a healthy manner is important. Avoid crash diets and meet a dietitian who can guide you.

#4. Consume fibre-rich diet

A fibre-rich diet can not only decrease your uric acids levels but it can also help you drop down a few pounds efficiently.

Try having these fibre-rich foods -

• Green vegetables
• Fruits
• Oats
• Barely
• Nuts

#5. Drink water

Water is your kidney’s best friend.

Drinking water can help flush out toxins from your body and drop down uric acid levels significantly.

Drink at least 8 to 12 glasses of water a day to help your Kidneys flush uric acid out of your body faster.

What Foods Help Lower Uric Acid?

#1. Apple cider vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is a good detoxifier. It contains malic acid, a compound that breaks down uric acid in the body and helps the kidneys to eliminate it away. Consumption of one teaspoon of vinegar in a glass of water every day can help reduce uric acid levels in the body.

#2. Lemon juice

Citric acid present in lime juice can breakdown uric acid efficiently. This, in turn, makes it easier for the kidney to eliminate it from the body. Consuming lime juice mixed in a glass of water or added as a dressing on food can help you reap its benefits.

#3. Berries

Blueberries and strawberries aren't only tasty but they are also a good way of removing uric acid from the body. If you are suffering from painful symptoms of suggestive of high uric acid levels in the body then consuming dark coloured berries can help you. Berries contain flavonoids called anthocyanins that help in reducing inflammation and stiffness in the body.

#4. Celery seeds

Celery seeds are high in good fats. Being a rich source of omega 3 fatty acids they can help you lose weight and reduce inflammation in the body.

They also have diuretic properties. They stimulate the kidney to excrete waste materials efficiently.

Have a teaspoon of celery seeds with an ample amount of water to reap its benefits. Don't forget to keep on sipping water throughout the day after consuming them.

#5. Multigrains

Dietary fibre not only helps you feel fuller for a longer amount of time, helping in weight loss and appetite control but it also absorbs the excess uric acid in your blood. Fibre-rich foods help uric acid elimination from your body. Grains like jowar, whole wheat, Oats and bajra are good sources of soluble fibre.

#6. Apple

An apple a day literally can keep the doctor away. Apple is rich in fibre and contains malic acid which breaks down uric acid and helps in its metabolism and excretion.

Try the Magic Ingredient

Vitamin C

Research shows that vitamin C can help your body get rid of uric acid. It helps in collagen formation and reduces inflammation in the body. Vitamin C is good for the skin and the gut. It is an amazing detoxifying agent and can improve immunity significantly.

Citrus fruits are the storehouse of vitamin C. Having a serving of any of these citrus fruits daily can do wonders for your body and lower the uric acid down.

Have some -

• Strawberries
• Grapes
• Guava
• Tomatoes
• Gooseberry
• Oranges
• Pineapple

You can also have a glass of lemon juice which is rich in Vitamin C and reduce your uric acid levels slowly but significantly.

Make lifestyle changes

Stress can take a lot of good things away from life. From your happiness to sleep and health to prosperity stress is a threat to all.

If you are under constant stress in life then you definitely need to sit back and relax a little.

Bad sleeping habits, no exercise and a lot of stress are extremely bad for you.

All this can increase inflammation in the body which may set off a high uric acid level.

Try doing some breathing exercises and yoga to help you cope with your stress levels. Avoid watching too much TV or using too much phone or other gadgets, look around and admire nature.

Try avoiding coffee and tea after lunchtime, they contain caffeine which can keep you awake.

Watch your drug intake

You might be unknowingly having medications and supplements which are causing uric acid to build up in your body.

Some of these medicines are -

• Aspirin
• Vitamin B-3
• Drugs for chemotherapy
• Drugs for hypertension, preferably diuretics

Meet your doctor if you have high uric acid levels and you're taking these medications. Your doctor will find a good alternative for them.

Meet your doctor

If you're unsure if your uric acid levels are normal or not. Take a blood test and ask your doctor to check if you have hyperuricemia. Get proper treatment immediately. Meet your doctor and discuss your diet, lifestyle, and health. If you already have uric acid disorders such as Gout then don't worry, a good lifestyle and proper treatment will make your symptoms significantly better.

Living with severe hyperuricemia can be quite a painful experience. Hyperuricemia can affect your skin joints and overall health. If you're dealing with symptoms of hyperuricemia then it's time you change your diet and lifestyle for better. Meet your doctor and try the foods mentioned above to see positive changes.

(Also Read - Dinner Habits And Their Effect On Human Health And Routine)

Hindi Version Of This Article -

पढ़ें इस लेख को हिंदी में और जानिये यूरिक एसिड बढ़ने के कारण, लक्षण और बचाव |