URIC ACID DIET

Uric acid is a chemical produced when our body breaks down foods that contain organic compounds called purines. Under normal conditions, uric acid dissolves in the blood, passes through the kidneys and is eliminated with urine.

When the uric acid levels in blood get elevated, the condition is called Hyperuricemia. This build up of excess uric acid leads to Gout. Gout is a painful form of arthritis & its symptoms frequently include acute pain, swelling, intense tenderness and inflammation in the joints. In gout, high uric acid levels form crystals in your joints. This leads to inflammation and pain.

High levels of uric acid in blood can be caused due to two reasons: when the body either produces too much uric acid or the kidneys don’t eliminate uric acid rapidly enough.

How to Reduce Uric Acid Levels?

Diet Recommendations to Reduce Uric Acid in Blood

High uric acid level can be reduced with a change in diet. To prevent gout, it is essential to maintain good eating habits and have proper medication.

·         Baking Soda – Baking soda mixed in water can relieve gout joint pain quickly by helping reduce the amount of uric acid. Mix 1/2 teaspoon baking soda in a glass of water and drink. Have this mix at least 4 times a day till pain subsides.

If you are hypertensive, be sure you check with the doctor before taking this remedy.

·         Cherries – Make sure to add cherries to your daily diet if you are suffering from gout attacks. They help by lowering the levels of uric acid and breaking up the crystals that are responsible for the joint pain. They also contain anthocyanins, which can decrease inflammation as well as minimize gout flare-ups. Eat 15 to 20 cherries a day or have a glass of cherry juice every morning.

·         Bananas - Bananas assist in converting uric acid into liquid form which can then be filtered by the kidneys and excreted through your urine avoiding the crystallization in your joints causing gout symptoms.

·         Increased Water Intake – Drink a minimum of 10 to 12  glasses of water daily to lessen your uric acid levels. Drinking more fluid helps your body get rid of excess uric acid.

 Foods to Avoid

If you’re looking to reduce your production of uric acid, you’ll want to specifically limit foods that are high in purines.

Limit meat, poultry and fish – Animal proteins are high in purine. Avoid or severely limit high-purine foods, such as chicken, ham, red meat (beef, pork and lamb), fatty fish and seafood (tuna, shrimp, and lobster). Limit the intake to a bare minimum of 110-170 gms daily in case you need to eat it.

Sugar - Fructose is the only carbohydrate known to increase uric acid. It is best to avoid beverages sweetened with high-fructose corn syrup, such as soft drinks or packed juices.