Uric acid is a byproduct that is created as the body breaks down chemicals known as purines. Purines are found naturally in some foods. Normally, uric acid is filtered out of the body and excreted without incident. A certain level is acceptable. Sometimes, due to disease or other exacerbating factors, this waste product is not removed as well as it should be. When the acid builds up, numerous health problems can occur. These conditions include gout, kidney stones, acidic blood pH and the increased likelihood of cardiovascular disease. The severity of some of these conditions makes it of utmost importance to keep uric acid levels within recommended guidelines. The good news is there are numerous ways to lower these levels with some simple lifestyle and dietary habits. It is easily achievable to safely and naturally reduce uric acid to prevent future medical issues.
Recent findings have indicated that excess amounts of sugar in the diet can lead to increased uric acid levels in the body. Processed foods can contain added sugars such as fructose, corn syrup, and table sugar (refined sugar). Drinks such as fruit juices and sodas can also contain unnecessary sugar. Avoiding too many sweet foods and making sure to drink more water can definitely assist in fighting against uric acid buildup.
Alcohol can be a big culprit in high uric acid levels. It makes the body dehydrated. This leaves the kidneys less able to filter the blood. Other waste products are filtered out before uric acid, which can lead to unwanted increases. Certain drinks contain purines, as well. This includes beer. If a person is already trying to reduce their levels, not drinking alcohol is a good place to start for health purposes.
Since uric acid comes from breaking down purines, it makes sense to eat less of the foods that contain high levels of them. Foods to reduce or eliminate include:
This is a condensed guide of foods to consume sparingly to avoid uric acid buildup. Moderation and awareness are key.
Fiber can help in multiple ways. It facilitates the reduction of blood sugar, promotes feelings of fullness, and it helps rid the body of uric acid. Adults are recommended to get a minimum of 5 to 10 grams of dietary fiber per day. Sources of dietary fiber include barley, fruits, oats, vegetables and nuts. Adding fiber to the diet is both healthy and delicious.
Modern lifestyles are rife with stress. People don't eat, sleep, or exercise the way they should. This wreaks havoc on the body. Stress causes inflammation. Inflammation triggers increased uric acid levels. Being conscientious of our bodies' needs lessens stress in our lives. Ways to reduce stress include:
Reducing stressors in our lives has far-reaching impacts. It can improve health dramatically.
Certain medications or supplements increase uric acid levels in the body. These can include things ranging from chemotherapy drugs to simple over the counter medications. If you’re concerned about specifics, talk to your doctor for a full list of medications that can increase uric acid. They can help adjust dosages or find suitable alternatives to medications that are safer.
