Uric acid is produced during the body's purine breakdown process. An important link in this process is the enzyme xanthine oxidase (XO), which catalyzes reactions to convert hypoxanthine into xanthine and then uric acid.
Therefore, XO inhibition is one of the important directions to reduce uric acid production.
In addition to its ability to act on XO, dandelion contains many plant compounds such as polyphenols and phenolic acids.
The addition of dandelion to food shows the presence of chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, ferulic acid and chicoric acid; these compounds contribute to antioxidant activity and XO inhibition ability.
However, dandelion tea should not be used instead of filtered water every day.
Dandelion leaf extract has diuretic effects. This is a point that gout patients need to pay special attention to. Drinking plenty of water plays a role in caring for gout patients, but urinating more does not mean that uric acid in the blood will definitely decrease.
Patients still need to limit alcohol, control weight, maintain enough water suitable to their health condition, adjust purine-rich foods and adhere to medications prescribed by doctors.
In particular, you should not arbitrarily stop taking other gout treatments just because you see uric acid decrease after a period of drinking tea. To assess the actual effectiveness, you need to have regular blood uric acid tests and monitor with your doctor.
How to make dandelion tea:
Use dried dandelion root:
5–10g dried dandelion root.
Wash quickly, drain.
Add 500–700ml of water.
Boil and reduce to low heat, cook for about 10-15 minutes.
Filter out the water, divide into 2-3 times to drink during the day.
You can drink it warm or let it cool.
Use dried dandelion leaves:
About 5–10g of dry leaves.
Infusion with 500ml of hot water for 5–10 minutes, then strain and drink.
No need to add sugar, especially if the drinker is controlling blood sugar or weight.
You should dilute it moderately and prioritize drinking sugar-free. Do not dilute it very thickly with the thought "the thicker it is, the lower the uric acid".
