Uric acid is produced when the body breaks down purines. Excess uric acid can form sharp crystals deposited in the joints, causing severe swelling and pain called gout. Here are 7 methods to help control and lower uric acid effectively.
1. Increase drinking filtered water to eliminate uric acid
People who drink 5 to 8 glasses of water a day are at a lower risk of gout symptoms. Kidneys use water to excrete uric acid through urine. Consuming 2 liters of water a day supports the excretion of uric acid through the urinary tract and reduces the risk of urate crystal formation in joints.
2. Stay away from purine-rich foods
A low-purine diet helps limit consumption of foods and drinks containing high levels of purines, thereby reducing uric acid. Medical experts recommend special avoidance:
Types of visceral meat such as liver, intestines, spleen and kidneys.
Red meats such as beef, lamb, pork and bacon.
Some seafood include herring, scallops, mussels, cod, tuna and salmon.
| Food group | Specific list | Mechanism of action (According to Medicine) |
|---|---|---|
| Cherries, Filtered water (2.5-3 liters), Dark coffee, bell peppers, Kiwi (Vitamin C) | Promotes urate secretion through the kidneys, inhibits purine-dissolving enzymes, and reduces inflammation and swelling. | |
| Carnivores, Beef, Sheep, Seafood (Salmon, clams), Beer, Alcohol, Sugary drinks | Contains extremely high purine content; Fructose is converted directly into uric acid; Alcohol retains urate in the blood. |
3. Cut down on fruits
Fructose in drinks is absorbed faster than sugar in food because drinks do not contain fiber or protein. The rapid absorption of refined sugars causes a spike in blood sugar levels, leading to higher uric acid levels.
4. Absolutely abstain from alcohol and beer
Beer and alcohol are the leading agents causing gout attacks. Although not all alcoholic beverages contain a lot of purines, alcohol prevents the kidneys from removing uric acid.
5. Add cherries to the menu
Cherries have anti-inflammatory properties and can help reduce uric acid levels in the body.
6. Drink coffee every day
Drinking coffee can reduce uric acid levels by slowing down the process of breaking down purines into uric acid and speeding up excretion. Coffee inhibits xanthine oxidase, an enzyme responsible for converting purines into uric acid. Regularly consuming coffee properly every day can play a supporting role in controlling uric acid.
7. Supplement 500mg Vitamin C
Vitamin C reduces uric acid levels in the serum by promoting kidney excretion. Consuming 500mg of vitamin C per day can help reduce uric acid levels.
Quick quiz on uric acid
What is the high and dangerous uric acid index? Answer: The high uric acid index in the blood is determined when it exceeds the threshold of 7.0 mg/dL (416 μmol/L) for men and over 6.0 mg/dL (357 μmol/L) for women.
