10 Natural Ways to Reduce Uric Acid Levels and Prevent Gout

Hyperuricemia is a condition caused by abnormally high levels of uric acid in the body. Uric acid is a compound that exists as urate in its ion form. The amount of uric acid depends on the balance between the amount of purines eaten in food as well as the amount of urate synthesized in the body.

Excessive uric acid levels are big a problem – they can damage your kidneys and raise inflammation in the organ, which can be quite painful. Some new studies are also relating high uric acid levels with cardiovascular diseases and hypertension, which means that you need to keep the levels of the acid under control. The allowed levels of uric acid in your blood are 2.4-6 mgdL for women and 3.4-7 mgdL for men.

Besides a diet rich in purines, acidosis, diabetes, alcohol abuse, obesity, genetics and hypothyroidism are considered as the main cause for hyperuricemia. Chemotherapy and some medications can cause it as well, while fasting or dieting can cause a temporary increase in your uric acid levels.

The removal of uric acid from the blood is not an easy process, but there are many natural ways which can do it and prevent the development of gout.

Here are the best natural solutions against high uric acid levels:

Cherries

Cherries are rich in anthocyanins, compounds which give them their usual dark red color and can reduce the high levels of uric acid in your body. Consume a handful of cherries every day and drink cherry tart juice more often to prevent kidney problems caused by high levels of uric acid.

Fiber-rich and starchy foods

Fiber-rich and starchy foods such as apples, pears, oranges, bananas, potatoes, whole grain and pasta will provide your body with a small amount of purines which will keep your uric acid levels under control. We also suggest drinking papaya tea more often in order to prevent the formation of uric acid crystals in the kidneys.

Foods with low purines

Purines can be found in animal protein, yeast, asparagus, beans and legumes, and can significantly raise the levels of uric acid in your blood. If you love beer, we have bad news for you – the popular drink is rich in purines and should be avoided.

Lemon juice

Fresh lemon juice can regulate the levels of uric acid in the body and alkalize it as well. Lemons contain a high level of vitamin C and will your uric acid levels under control – just fill a glass with warm water and squeeze a lemon in, then drink the mixture before breakfast every morning to prevent the development of gout and kidney problems.

Water

Our body consists of a high percentage of water, so drinking the liquid more often makes great sense. Water keeps our body hydrated and assists the kidneys in the detoxification process. Water can also clean out the excess uric acid from your body and reduce the risk of gout by nearly 50%. Experts recommend 6-8 glasses of water every day, but you may also want to include fruits and vegetables rich in water in your diet to stay hydrated.

Wheatgrass juice

This juice is highly alkalizing and will reduce the acidity of your body. It contains vitamin C and phytochemical which will neutralize the excess uric acid in your blood, while the high protein and amino acid content is a great alternative to animal protein. A few tablespoons of wheatgrass juice are more than enough to regulate the levels of uric acid in your body and prevent further problems.

Dairy products

Milk, cheese and other dairy products can reduce the risk of gout attacks and regulate your uric acid levels. Skimmed milk is rich in orotic acid which can absorb the excess uric acid from your blood and prevent it from damaging your kidneys. Consume skimmed milk and low-fat dairy products regularly, or take tofu if you’re lactose intolerant to prevent the accumulation of uric acid in your blood.

Baking soda

Sodium bicarbonate is an alkaline compound which can reduce your high uric acid levels and regulate your pH value as well. Add ½ a teaspoon of baking soda in a glass of water and drink the mixture every day to regulate your uric acid levels.

Olive oil

Olive oil is far superior to any kind of vegetable oil. When heated, vegetable oils are transformed to rancid fats, but this doesn’t happen with olive oil. Furthermore, the oil contains a lot of vitamin E as well as monounsaturated fats which can reduce the levels of uric acid in your blood.

ACV

Apple cider vinegar will alkalize your body and detoxify it as well. Consuming apple cider vinegar often will reduce your uric acid levels. Drink a glass of water with a teaspoon of ACV every day can prevent the formation of uric acid crystals and reduce its levels as well. However, consuming high amounts of ACV can cause potassium deficiency, so don’t overdo it.

Source: organichealthcorner.com