Uric acid is a waste product or a weak acid that usually exists in a monosodium urate form and is dissolved in plasma. It is produced when your body breaks down purines which provide a piece of the chemical structure of our genes.
High levels of uric acid in the bloodstream can be quite problematic and leads to arthritis and gout. In case, you are struggling to control your uric acid levels, then these useful tips can help you do just that.
- Avoid High-Purine Products From Animals
Individuals with high levels of uric acid are advised to limit their intake of high purity foods. Roughly 2/3 of the uric acid is produced by the body and the remaining 1/3 is derived from our diet.
There are certain types of fish, meat and animal products that contain high quantities of purine which is then converted into uric acid.
High-purine content animal products (150-1000mg purine per 100g of food) should not be included in your diet if you want to lower your uric acid. These include:
- Seafood like sardines, anchovy, crayfish, lobster, salmon, scallops, herring, and mackerel
- Products that come from an animal’s internal organ
- Caviar
- Cod eggs
- Quail meat
Food which contains 5 – 150mg purine per 100g food should only be taken in small quantities (around 100 – 170g per day). These include:
- Beans such as cashew nuts, soybean meals, tofu, peas, peanut butter, peanuts, green beans, and soybeans
- Whole grains including brown rice and oatmeal
- Seafood not included above like crabs, shrimp, mussels, and oysters
- Processed meat like bacon and sausage
- Red meat like pork, lamb, and beef
- Poultry like geese, turkey, and chicken
- Reduce Saturated Fat Intake
Studies revealed that eating foods rich in saturated fats can prevent the body’s ability to process uric acid. Foods high in fat can increase the amount of cholesterol in the body as well as increasing your risk of cardiovascular disease and obesity.
As we all know, uric acid is the end product of protein metabolism. Thus, consuming foods that are rich in saturated fats can boost your uric acid levels. So, try to avoid high-fat foods like whole milk, fried foods, and fast foods.
- Drink Plenty Of Water
Regulation of uric acid levels needs it to be properly removed or excreted out of the body. And this is why drinking a lot of water is necessary. When the body is well-hydrated, crystals of uric acid cannot be formed easily. Doctors recommend that people with gout or high levels of uric acid take at least 8 to 16 glasses of water daily.
- Consume Fiber-Rich Foods
Green leafy vegetables such as cabbage and broccoli and other fibrous foods are shown to absorb uric acid in the bloodstream effectively. And by absorbing uric acid, fiber allows the easy excretion through the kidneys.
- Eat Fruits
The easiest way to control uric acid levels and prevent a gout attack is by eating fruits that are rich in vitamin C, Pineapples, grapes, blackberries, blueberries, and cherries are some of the food that people with high uric acid should take. These fruits are full of flavonoids which increases the excretion of uric acid from the body.
- Limit Or Eliminate Alcohol
Alcohol can interfere with the excretion and elimination of uric acid from your body. Therefore, doctors recommend that individuals with gout and high levels of uric acid to reduce their alcohol intake once in 3 weeks. However, it is best that you should completely avoid it not only for the sake of your uric acid but also for a healthy liver.
- Ditch The Sugary Drinks
The main culprit for an increased level of uric acid is sugary drinks. These drinks not only raise the uric acid in the blood but can also interfere with elimination and excretion directly. A study revealed that a daily intake of 300mm servings of sugary drinks increases the risk of gout by around 13%.
- Soothe The Pain With Painkillers
Usually, high uric acid levels cause gout. And gout is one of the most painful forms of arthritis. So, when the pain starts to knock you out of your mind, painkiller can help. It is best that you talk to your doctor and ask for prescriptions for a uric acid medicine in order for you to control your levels of high uric acid as well as eliminating the pain.
