Uric acid is a substance that is produced by the body when it breaks down organic substances from certain types of food, especially purines, which can be found in mushrooms, anchovies, organ meats, beer, and wine, among others. After uric acid is produced, it is eliminated from the body in several ways, such as through the blood, kidneys, and urine. However, if the body produces too much uric acid or is unable to excrete it completely, it builds up in the blood. This condition is called hyperuricemia.
Uric acid that remains in the body eventually turns into urate crystals, which can build up around soft tissues and joints, causing pain, inflammation, and conditions such as gout, a form of arthritis often felt in the feet and big toes. Hyperuricemia can also be caused by some cancer treatments and by cancer itself. High uric acid levels can be a sign of health problems, including diabetes, hypoparathyroidism, kidney stones, kidney failure, and bone marrow disorders.
If you suspect you have hyperuricemia, seeing a healthcare professional is essential to confirm the diagnosis and plan treatment. While hyperuricemia itself is not serious, it can be a precursor to other, more serious conditions. Treatment for hyperuricemia may include medications or lifestyle and dietary changes to reduce uric acid levels in the blood.
1. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is used in cooking, salad dressings, as a food preservative, in hair and skin care, and even as a household cleaner. Unprocessed and unpasteurized apple cider vinegar is often touted as a health tonic that can relieve heartburn, promote bowel regularity, improve skin problems, aid in weight loss, lower blood sugar levels, and even treat pets by leaving their fur shiny and flea-free.
Apple cider vinegar contains small amounts of important minerals, such as calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, and sodium. It also has high levels of amino acids and antioxidants. Other beneficial ingredients include pectin, which can help maintain normal blood pressure and cholesterol levels, as well as malic acid, which can aid in detoxification, metabolism, and healthy digestion.
Acetic acid, the main active ingredient, alkalizes the body when ingested and helps balance pH levels. Researchers believe that acetic acid is responsible for apple cider vinegar’s effectiveness in treating gout because it helps dissolve uric acid crystals. Apple cider vinegar is known to reduce inflammation and swelling in joints, thereby relieving the symptoms of hyperuricemia and gout.
When choosing your apple cider vinegar, be sure to choose one that is organic, raw, and unpasteurized. It is healthier than other types because all of the beneficial enzymes and the “mother” (the cloudy sediment often found at the bottom of the bottle) have not been removed. Mix one teaspoon of apple cider vinegar in a glass of water and drink it two to three times a day. Since apple cider vinegar is acidic, it can damage tooth enamel, so always dilute it with another liquid.
2. Lemon juice
Lemons are believed to have originated in Asia as a cross between citrus fruits and limes, and were brought to Europe around 1 AD. Perhaps the most popular member of the citrus family, lemons were used as symbols of warmth and sunlight in the Mediterranean and considered a sacred fruit in many other countries. Lemons were famous for their anti-scurvy benefits among sailors, and modern medicine now attributes this benefit to their high concentrations of vitamin C.
Lemons are an extremely versatile fruit: virtually every part can be used. The rind is often grated to flavor marinades, sauces, and dishes; the pulp can be used in recipes; and the juice is widely consumed as a health tonic. You can also use the leaves of the lemon tree in teas or recipes. Lemons are used to treat a variety of medicinal conditions, including headaches, gingivitis, sore throats, nosebleeds, hiccups, and constipation.
One medium lemon contains over 60% of the recommended daily dose of vitamin C, as well as good amounts of citric acid, B vitamins, calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, fiber, potassium and phosphorus. When consumed, lemon becomes alkalizing, helping to neutralize uric acid and stimulating the liver to reduce its production.
To reduce uric acid levels, squeeze half a lemon and add the juice to warm water, drinking it in the morning and after meals. Alternatively, mix half a teaspoon of baking soda with two tablespoons of lemon juice in a glass of water. Stir until completely dissolved, making sure there are no more bubbles before drinking. This mixture helps balance the body's pH, acting as a catalyst in the detoxification process and further reducing uric acid levels.
3. Cherries
Cherries are small red fruits that belong to the Rosaceae family, which includes peaches, apricots and plums. There are two most commonly cultivated types: sweet cherry (Prunus avium L.) and sour cherry (Prunus cerasus L.). Cherry trees are believed to have originated in Asia and been transported to Europe by birds, but today they are cultivated all over the world.
Cherries are low in calories and rich in vitamins, minerals, fiber, and protein. They are also one of the few natural sources of concentrated melatonin, and are rich in vitamin C, vitamin A, manganese, potassium, iron, zinc, and copper. They contain antioxidant compounds called anthocyanins, which have potent antioxidant properties.
These compounds are effective in reducing uric acid levels in the blood. Tart cherries contain a higher concentration of anthocyanins than sweet cherries, making them healthier in the long run. Additionally, cherries contain protective flavonoids such as lutein, zeaxanthin, and carotenoids, which help protect the body against free radicals.
Eating cherries can be both delicious and beneficial to your health. To help reduce uric acid levels, eat half a cup of tart cherries daily for about four weeks. You can also make cherry juice by blending the fruit until the pulp is pureed, then straining it to remove the pits and skin. To sweeten, add a teaspoon of honey.
4. Baking soda
Baking soda is a chemical compound known as sodium bicarbonate or sodium hydrogen carbonate. It is used for cleaning, cooking, and also in some personal care products. Baking soda helps balance pH levels. When it comes into contact with something acidic or alkaline, it tends to neutralize it. It can be useful for bad breath, cleaning appliances, exfoliating skin, relieving pain from insect bites, sore feet, and more.
Baking soda is known to help lower uric acid levels in the body by helping to balance the pH. pH levels range from 1 to 14, with 7 being considered neutral. When the body is too acidic, it can cause weakness, illness, heartburn, chest pain, and inflammation. Baking soda helps to neutralize this acidity, eliminating the uric acid and bringing the body back to an optimal state.
To use, simply dissolve half a teaspoon of baking soda in a glass of water and drink it all at once. Drink a maximum of four glasses a day for no more than two weeks. This remedy should not be used by people with high blood pressure, as baking soda can increase blood pressure.
5. Olive oil
Olive oil is a fat obtained from the fruit of the olive tree (Olea europaea), native to the Mediterranean region. It is produced by pressing whole olives and has several uses, such as in cooking, medicine, cosmetics and even in fire lanterns in ancient times.
Olive oil offers a number of health benefits, such as preventing heart disease and high blood pressure, improving digestion, strengthening memory, promoting liver health, and protecting the brain against diseases such as Alzheimer's. It contains unsaturated fats such as omega-3, omega-6, and oleic acid (omega-9), as well as vitamins and minerals such as vitamin E, vitamin K, iron, calcium, magnesium, and potassium.
Olive oil is also rich in phytonutrient compounds with anti-inflammatory properties, such as flavones, anthocyanidins, flavonols, and secoiridoids. It contains over 20 different compounds that help fight inflammation and free radicals that damage the body. Olive oil is also rich in oleocanthal, a polyphenol with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, as well as pain relief. This means that olive oil not only helps deal with uric acid deposits, but it also reduces inflammation and relieves symptoms.
To take advantage of the benefits of olive oil, use it as a substitute for butter or other fats in cooking. Or simply consume 1 to 2 tablespoons a day to reduce uric acid levels and prevent them from increasing.
6. Water
Water is one of the most overlooked remedies. You can survive a month without food, but only a week without water, and many people don’t get enough. The human body is made up of about 60% water. It’s used by every cell, organ, and function in the body, and when we don’t drink enough, we start to become dehydrated, which can cause headaches, fatigue, and irritability. If dehydration is left untreated, it can lead to fainting, extreme fatigue, and even death.
As your body performs normal activities such as breathing, sweating, and digesting food, it loses water, which must be replaced by eating and drinking. Water regulates body temperature, protects the spinal cord, supports digestion, improves physical performance, promotes good mood, memory, and cognitive function, among other benefits.
Staying hydrated is essential to prevent the formation of uric acid crystals, as they do not form easily in a well-hydrated body. Additionally, water helps flush out accumulated uric acid by diluting it and making it easier for the kidneys to excrete it. Drinking more water can reduce uric acid levels and associated conditions, such as gout. According to a study by the Boston University School of Medicine, the risk of gout attacks decreased by about 501% among people who drank more than eight glasses of water per day.
Tips to increase water consumption:
- Drink at least eight glasses of water daily.
- Replace soft drinks and processed juices with water.
- Always carry a bottle of water with you.
- Include more fresh fruits and vegetables in your diet, as they also contain water and help reduce uric acid build-up.
7. Low Purine Diet
Purines are nitrogen-containing chemicals that are naturally produced by the body and found in certain foods. When ingested, purines are converted to uric acid. While purines are not dangerous in themselves, a diet high in them can increase the risk of uric acid buildup in the body.
Foods and beverages high in purines include liver, kidney, brains, bacon, beef, lamb, pork, anchovies, sardines, scallops, meat sauces, and beer. These foods should be avoided as much as possible and replaced with low-purine foods. Approximately one-third of the uric acid in the body comes from purines in food, so reducing their intake can be effective in controlling uric acid.
Low-purine foods include:
- Vegetables and greens
- Eggs
- Nuts
- Tomatoes
- Fruits
- Coffee
- Skim milk and other low-fat dairy products
- Lean meats, such as chicken and fish
Avoid excessive alcohol consumption, as it increases the production of purines and raises uric acid levels. Also, limit fatty foods, as they are high in fat and can contribute to the accumulation of uric acid.
A low-purine diet doesn’t have to be restrictive. The Mediterranean diet, for example, is naturally low in purines and rich in healthy foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, extra-virgin olive oil, herbs, spices, fish, poultry, and even red wine (in moderation). Cut back on sweets like cookies, cakes, cereal bars, certain sauces (like mayonnaise), and processed juices. Drink plenty of water.
8. Starchy Carbohydrates and Fiber-Rich Foods
Dietary fiber is a nutrient that is not absorbed by the intestines, but retains water and passes through the digestive tract, being eliminated in the feces. Fibers are classified into two types: soluble (which dissolve in water) and insoluble (which do not dissolve and maintain their structure throughout the digestive tract).Soluble fibers: They help delay stomach emptying and the absorption of sugar in the body by binding to fatty acids. They help reduce cholesterol, control sugar consumption and maintain a healthy digestive system.
- Insoluble fibers: They add bulk to the digestive tract and help regulate pH levels in the intestines. They can prevent constipation and promote bowel regularity.
Fiber can bind to uric acid and facilitate its excretion. Foods high in fiber and starchy carbohydrates (such as bread, rice, quinoa, and pasta) are good options to include in a diet aimed at reducing uric acid.
Examples of foods rich in fiber and starchy carbohydrates:
- Whole grains, such as oats and wheat
- Sandwiches with wholemeal bread
- Fresh, raw vegetables
- Beans, legumes and fruits
9. Dairy products
Dairy products are foods and beverages made from the milk of mammals such as cows, goats, sheep, and camels. Products such as milk, cheese, yogurt, and butter are consumed worldwide. Including dairy products in your daily diet offers health benefits such as improving bone and tooth strength, reducing the risk of osteoporosis, regulating cholesterol levels, and preventing cardiovascular disease and diabetes.
Dairy products are an important source of calcium, protein, vitamin D, vitamin A, vitamin B12, riboflavin, niacin, phosphorus, and potassium. Including at least three servings of dairy products per day can benefit your health and help reduce uric acid levels. Low-fat and skim dairy products increase uric acid excretion from the body due to orotic acid, which reduces the reabsorption of uric acid in the kidneys and promotes its elimination.
Additionally, dairy products are low in purines and are a good option for controlling uric acid levels. Proteins found in milk, such as casein and lactalbumin, help protect against unwanted increases in uric acid levels.
Recommendations:
- Consume three servings of dairy products daily.
- If you are lactose intolerant, choose alternatives such as lactose-free products or enriched plant-based milks.
10. Wheatgrass Juice
Wheatgrass juice, also known as “liquid sunshine,” is widely regarded as one of nature’s most potent health tonics. While it may not taste the most pleasant, it contains an impressive amount of vitamins and minerals. Wheatgrass juice is made from common wheat (Triticum aestivum), a plant native to the Mediterranean and Southwest Asia. It is even possible to grow it at home.
Wheatgrass contains about 70% of chlorophyll, the green pigment that gives it its intense color and is associated with benefits such as hormone regulation, anemia prevention, and digestive health support. Chlorophyll also aids in wound healing and detoxification of the body. In addition, wheatgrass is rich in B vitamins, vitamins A, E, C, and K, as well as every mineral known to modern science.
Wheatgrass juice is an excellent energy and immunity booster. It is used to promote weight loss, improve hair health, cleanse the liver, relieve depression, lower cholesterol, and even treat dental problems such as gum disease and toothaches.
The juice alkalizes the blood, making it an extremely effective agent in eliminating uric acid, cleansing both the tissues and the blood. It also has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which help to further alleviate hyperuricemia.
How to consume:
- Drink wheatgrass juice on an empty stomach. It can be combined with fresh fruits or vegetables to improve the taste.
- Because it is a powerful detoxifier, it can cause mild side effects such as headaches, nausea, dizziness and diarrhea at the beginning of use.
