Uric acid is a waste product found in the blood which is filtered out from the body when you digest foods that contain purines. High levels of uric acid (hyperuricemia) in the bloodstream lead to the formation of solid crystals within the joints which causes a painful condition called gout. An abnormality in handling uric acid and crystallization of these compounds in joints can cause painful arthritis, kidney stones, and blockage of the kidney filtering tubules with uric acid crystals, leading to kidney failure.  A healthy eating, natural and Ayurvedic herbal treatment, could help you prevent high uric acid levels.

Consuming purine-rich foods leads to a build-up of uric acid. This is then filtered out by the kidneys and excreted via urine or stool. The excess uric acid is deposited as needle-like crystals in the cartilage and tissue surrounding joints, in the skin, and in the kidneys. These deposits cause inflammation, which can ultimately result in joint destruction, nodules called tophi, or kidney stones.

Some of the reasons that uric acid can deposit in your body are:

• Diet and Alcohol consumption
• genetics
• obesity or being overweight
• stress
• certain medical conditions like diabetes, kidney disease, psoriasis, Thyroid disorder

(Also Read: Gout Cure – Ayurvedic Treatment for Gout)

Diagnosing Uric acid/Gout

The amount of uric acid in your body can be detected through a simple blood test. The normal range of uric acid in your body is 3.4 to 7 mg/dL for men and 2.4 to 6 mg/dL for women, problems can arise when uric acid levels rise above 7mg/DL.

You should know which foods are most likely to cause acid production and which can help reduce your risk. Below are some of the foods that you must add to your diet to prevent uric acid.

Home Remedies for Uric Acid

• Apple Cider Vinegar:  Malic acid which is present in apple cider vinegar, helps in breaking down and removing uric acid from the body. Mix one teaspoon of organic apple cider vinegar to a glass of water and drink every day. Apples also contain malic acid they neutralize uric acid in the bloodstream and you should eat at least one a day.

• Cherries: Cherries, strawberries, and blueberries are excellent fruits to reduce uric acid naturally. Cherries contain high levels of anthocyanins alkaloids, which have powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It is recommended to take 10 numbers daily, which was considered the most effective for uric acid prevention.

• Drink plenty of water preferably 12 – 15 glasses every day to flush out excess uric acid from your body and reduce the risk of crystals forming in your joints and kidney stone formation.

• Eat a healthy diet: eat lots of green vegetables and consume high fiber foods, dietary fiber absorbs the excess uric acid in your blood and helps it to get eliminated from your body, avoid foods that are high in substances called purines, which can raise the uric acid in your blood.

• Lime juice:  Lime contains citric acid which helps in dissolving the uric acid. Ayurveda Experts suggest that you should drink lime water at least twice a day to flush out the excess uric acid. Consume foods rich in Vitamin C like amla, kiwi, guava, tomato, and other green leafy vegetables.

• Pineapple has bromelain, an enzyme that reduces inflammation and pain. Eating a half-cup per day can help when gout pain ratchets up.

• Celery Seed(Apium graveolins)has been used traditionally to treat urinary issues, rheumatism, arthritis, and gout. Celery can be consumed in the form of raw celery sticks, juice, extract, or seeds. Celery seed should be used under the supervision of a physician if you have a kidney disorder.

• Bananas contain a rich amount of potassium and low in purines which make them good food to eat if you have gout. Bananas, can lower the amount of uric acid in your blood and reduce your risk of recurrent gout attacks.

• Green papaya contains papain, an enzyme that reduces inflammation in gout. Consume raw papaya with lemon juice in the morning to reduce uric acid levels. Also, boil diced papaya and 1tsp green tea for 1-2 minutes and drink the cool water in the morning with some lemon juice. It will reduce the levels and pain related to uric acid. Taking papaya and guava together may also reduce the levels.

  

• Baking soda(sodium bicarbonate)- Uric acid makes the body acidic and creates health problems. Consuming soda can neutralize stomach acid, increase the alkalinity of your blood, and lower the amount of uric acid. Consult your doctor prior to trying this method if you have High blood pressure. Dissolve ¼ tsp soda in one glass of water and take it two times a day. Soda will make the body alkaline.

• Maintaining a healthy body weight may help reduce the risk of gout flares. Being overweight also has an association with a higher risk of elevated blood uric acid levels, raising the risk of gout. Excess weight increases inflammation levels in the body and making the kidneys work harder to filter out uric acid. Therefore, weight management is one of the ways to prevent uric acid build-up.

• Include healthy fats: These include avocado, walnuts, chia seeds, flax seeds, etc., due to its high omega-3-fatty acid content, healthy fats may control inflammation. Take 5 almond and walnut daily and also introduce them in salads would be a healthier option.

  

   

• Eat a moderate amount of fish and meat
  Chicken and salmon generally have lower purine content. However, these items still contain purine and have to be taken in moderation. Limit your intake to 120g–180g a few times a week.

• Choose low-fat or non-fat dairy products instead of full-fat dairy products, which can help lower your risk of getting a gout attack. Replace your dairy products with low-fat versions.

(Also Read: Arthritis and Treatments)

Recipes to reduce uric acid levels:

• Take Beet 50g, cucumber salad 50gm, carrot 75 gm, olive oil, and lemon juice. Consume daily as a salad.
• Prepare an herbal tea by boiling ½ tsp each of cumin seeds, ginger slices, licorice, and cardamom in two glasses of water. Make it to half the amount and strain the mixture. Drink this herbal tea daily.
• Cool Cucumber Soup: Remove the seeds of 2 medium-size cucumbers and blend them till turn into a smooth liquid. Strain the liquid, add whisked yogurt ¼ cup, a few mint leaves, lemon juice, and ¼ tsp curry powder. Mix well and serve chilled.

Foods to be avoided for Uric acid / How to get rid of Gout

• Avoid purine-rich foods:  Purine-rich foods include some types of meat, seafood, and vegetables such as organ meats, pork, beef, turkey, mutton, anchovies, sardines, tuna and shellfish, spinach, cauliflower, green peas, dried beans, mushrooms, and soy products.
• Avoid alcohol intake (particularly beer and hard liquor).

• Avoid sugary foods and carbonated drinks – Cola, juices contain a high amount of fructose. Excessive fructose consumption increases uric acid. Do not eat foods or drink beverages that contain high fructose corn syrup and also limit the amount of naturally sweet fruit juices.
• Avoid refined foods like maida, pasta, biscuits, bread, etc.,

Diet, exercise, and other healthy lifestyle changes can all contribute in managing gout and other illnesses caused by high uric acid levels. Try to consume as much natural diet as to control uric acid. 

Disclaimer:  Content on this site is for reference purposes and is not intended to substitute for advice given by a physician, pharmacist, or other licensed health-care professional. You should not use this information as self-diagnosis or for treating a health problem or disease. Contact your health-care provider immediately if you suspect that you have a medical problem. We use Affiliate links as this is our means to survive. Please take professional guidance or a doctor’s advice before taking these medicines as every individual is different and circumstances are different for all. We by no means will be held responsible for any bad effects that can come out of using these medicines. 

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