Hyperuricemia is a condition in which the body is burdened with uric acid buildups. It occurs in cases of excessive production or insufficient excretion through the kidney.
Experts link it to the development of numerous health problems like kidney stones, renal failure, gouty arthritis, etc.
According to studies, uric acid buildups cause hypertension and cardiovascular disease. Normal uric acid levels in men vary between 3.4 and 7.0 mg/dL. When it comes to women, the numbers go between 2.4 and 6.0 mg/dL.
Hyperuricemia may develop as a result of alcohol abuse, purine-packed diet, renal insufficiency, hypothyroidism, acidosis, obesity or it may be a matter of genes.
Some types of cancer, chemo drugs, and diuretics also stimulate the production of uric acid. Nutritionists say that crash dieting, fasting, and exercising may also effect the production of uric acid.
The good news is that you can control this, and prevent further complications.
Water dilutes uric acid, and engage the kidneys into eliminating it. Drink plenty of water to prevent recurrent gout attacks. According to an internet-based study, regular consumption of water reduced the risk of gout attack by 40%.
This was not the case of participants who only took one glass of water. The study was presented at the 2009 annual meeting of the American College of Rheumatology.
Eat more fruits and veggies with high water content.
Baking soda is known to reduce uric acid buildups and soothe gout pain. It balances pH values, and eases the elimination of uric acid. Add half a teaspoon of baking soda to your water, and sip it. Do this four times a day. If your blood pressure is too high, stick to 3 glasses a day.
It’s an excellent detoxifier. Malic acid in apple cider vinegar breaks down uric acid buildups and eases their elimination from the body. It creates an alkaline environment in the body, and provides an excellent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effect.
Add a teaspoon of organic apple cider vinegar to a glass of water. Drink this 2-3 times a day. If you are fine with its taste, feel free to add 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar to your water.
Apple cider vinegar reduces potassium levels, so try not to overuse it, and don’t use it with diuretics.
Low-fat dairy products lower the concentration of plasma urate, and reduce the risk of developing gout. Skim milk is rich in orotic acid, known for its ability to prevent the reabsorption of uric acid, and ease its way out.
Drink 1-5 glasses of skim milk every day. Other dairy products work well, too. Try low-fat yoghurt.
Tofu changes the concentration of plasma protein, and takes part in the elimination of uric acid. Stay away from soy milk, because it stimulates the production of uric acid.
Lemons have an alkalizing effect, and neutralize uric acid. Vitamin C gives lemons their power to lower uric acid levels. Squeeze one lemon, and add the juice to a glass of warm water. Drink this every morning for 2 weeks.
It’s another alkalizing product. Wheatgrass juice is rich in vitamin C, chlorophyll and phytochemicals. Its protein and amino acids work as a substitute to animal protein.
Add 2 tablespoons of wheatgrass juice to some fresh lemon juice. Drink this every day.
Cherries and dark berries in general contain chemicals that lower uric acid levels. Purple or blue berries contain anthocyanins, a type of flavonoids that lower uric acid level, and reduce inflammation and stiffness.
Eat half a cup of cherries every day for 2 weeks. You can also drink 1-2 glasses of tart cherry juice for a month. Your diet should be based on foods abundant in antioxidants and vitamin C, such as tomatoes, strawberries, bell peppers, and blueberries.
When exposed to high heat, most oils turn go rancid, and reduce vitamin E levels in the body. It is important for the regulation of uric acid buildups.
Always use cold-pressed olive oil when cooking. Monounsaturated fats in olive oil remain stable during the cooking part. This oil is also rich in antioxidants and vitamin E.
Fiber lowers uric acid levels. This means you should eat more foods rich in starchy carbs and poor in purine. Add pears, oranges, strawberries, apples, whole grains, and starchy foods like quinoa, bananas, oats, potatoes, rice, whole grain pasta, and tapioca to your menu.
Green papaya tea is also a nice option. Papain alkalizes the body, and reduces inflammation. This is exactly what you need when dealing with high uric acid levels and gout.
Purines are nitrogen compounds contained in animal protein. They turn into uric acid when digested.
If your uric acid levels are too high, try to avoid animal protein like poultry, fish, organ meats, meats, and foods packed with purine, such as yeast, beans, legumes, mushrooms, beer, and asparagus.
Extra tips
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