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Effective And Natural Ways To Reduce Uric Acid
The adverse effects of a sedentary and stressful lifestyle on our overall health and well-being are plentiful. A high level of uric acid in the blood is one very prominent ill-effect that many amongst us face.Uric acid is a chemical found in the blood. This chemical gets created when a substance called Purine is broken down by our body. Purine is primarily found in food items such as spinach, peas, mushrooms, red meat, some types of beans, and beer.In a normal scenario, the uric acid gets dissolved in the blood and is excreted through our kidneys in the form of urine. But if the body is producing uric acid in excessive quantities, then it becomes cumbersome to flush this acid out of the system. This condition is termed Hyperuricemia and is detected by conducting a blood test. The acceptable range of the uric acid in the body is as follows:
- 4 to 6 mg/dL – for women
- 4 to 7 mg/dL – for men
Ill-effects of high uric acid
High levels of uric acid have numerous side effects:- It can cause kidney stones and in severe cases can lead to kidney failure too.
- It can also lead to the formation of solid crystals around the joint areas and give rise to a painful condition called ‘gout.’ Such patients are recommended a Gout diet that helps to keep a check on the uric acid levels in the body.
Natural ways to reduce the uric acid level
Revamp your dietOne of the easiest ways to control the uric acid level is by avoiding foods that are rich in Purine. So on an immediate basis, cut down on refined carbohydrates and veggies such as Cauliflower, Asparagus, Mushrooms, to name a few. Here are a few food items to consider removing or reducing from your diet to naturally decrease your purine intake: - Wild meats such as deer
- Certain marine foods like tuna, sardines, anchovies, mussels
- Alcoholic beverages like beer, liquor
- Foods with a high fat content like bacon, red meat
- High-sugar foods like sweets and soft drinks
Gout dietPeople who have been diagnosed with gout are immediately put on a gout diet along with a prescribed set of medication to control the uric acid level in the body.The essential characteristics of this diet include:- Sufficient water intake so that the toxins are regularly flushed out.
- Check on the weight – this helps to lower the uric acid levels and also reduces the strain on the joints.
- The inclusion of complex carbohydrates – eating more veggies, fruits, whole grains. Reducing the intake of concentrated fruit juices and beverages.
- Limiting the consumption of alcohol, especially beer.
Other foods to reduce uric acid that are low in purine you can include in your diet are: - Fat-free or low fat milk and milk products
- Most types of nuts and nut products (like peanut butter)
- Most vegetables and fruits
- Coffee, potatoes
- Whole-grain carbs, including whole-grain bread
Other natural sources include:- Lemon – Drinking lime water regularly brings down the uric acid level. The citric acid in lime does the trick! You can also add other vitamin C rich foods to your diet such as amla, oranges, etc.
- Fibre-rich foods – Fiber helps to absorb the excess uric acid, so include lots of oats, bananas, jowar, bajra in your diet.
- Cherries – Cherries are also known to reduce the risks associated with a gout attack.
- Vitamin C – Although there isn’t accurate data yet, certain studies have shown that people who take vitamin C supplements have lower levels of uric acid in their blood. This could mean a lower risk of developing gout.
Conclusion:
While dietary changes and weight management can help to reduce the chances of a gout flare-up, it is important to note that these changes cannot cure your condition. Genetics and other factors also play an important role. For this reason, you need to follow your doctor’s instructions and take whatever medications you have been prescribed. Once you have understood how to reduce uric acid through the use of diet and medication, you should also ask your doctor for any other lifestyle advice to help you improve your condition.Read More: How to Keep Your Kidneys Healthy?Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.