Hyperuricemia i.e. high levels of uric acid found in the blood can happen either from decreased excretion through kidneys or increased production of uric acid.
Also, it might contribute to issues such as renal failure, gouty arthritic crystals deposit of uric acid in the joints, usually in the big toe, and kidney stones.
New studies connect the high levels of uric acid with cardiovascular disease and hypertension. The average uric acid levels with women are from 2.4 to 6.0 mg or dL and with men are from 3.4 to 7.0 mg or dL. At different laboratories, these values might be different.
High level of uric acid might occur because of factors such as a diet rich in purines (the purines are actually broken down into uric acid), acidosis, diabetes, excess consumption of alcohol, endocrine, renal insufficiency, genetics, obesity and under-active thyroid.
Other things that may contribute to high levels of uric acid in the body are medications, certain types of cancer and chemotherapy agents. Factors that might temporarily elevate the uric acid levels are crash dieting, exercising and fasting.
Some natural remedies and tips might help control and reduce the levels of uric acid. However, proper treatment and diagnosis by a doctor are necessary and obligatory.
These Are the 10 Natural Ways to Control Your Uric Acid Levels
1. Cherries
Dark berries and cherries have chemicals that may help in the reduction of the levels of uric acid. Furthermore, blue and purple colored berries have flavonoids also known as anthocyanins that might help to reduce stiffness and inflammation and also lower uric acid.
You can consume ½ cup of cherries on a daily basis, for couple of weeks. And for 4 weeks you can drink from 1 to 2 cups of tart cherry juice. Also in your diet add vegetables and fruits that are rich in antioxidants, blueberries, food rich in vitamin C, strawberries, bell peppers, and tomatoes.
2. Starchy Carbohydrates and Foods High in Fiber
Foods that are high in dietary fiber can help to lower the levels of uric acid simply by absorbing the acid and removing it from your body. In addition, you may consume foods that have starchy carbohydrates, because they have small amounts of purine.
Foods that are high in fiber are strawberries, whole grains, pears, apples, and oranges. Examples of starchy carbohydrates are bananas, rice, oats, whole grain pasta, potato, tapioca i.e. sabudana and quinoa.
Also, you can consume tea from green papaya to help treat and prevent uric acid buildup and problems related to gout. In green papaya, there is papain that is helpful for the body to maintain its alkaline state, and also it has the role of an anti-inflammatory agent.
3. Diet Low in Purine
Purines are compounds that have nitrogen, and they break down in uric acid, and because of that, they increase the levels. Usually, there are purines in animal proteins. Such animal proteins are poultry, meats, fish and organ meats.
In addition, other foods are high in purine such as beans, legumes, asparagus, yeast, and mushrooms. And you might not know this, but when it comes to drinks beer is abundant in purine.
4. Lemon Juice
The first thing on your mind for sure is that the lemon juice might contribute for your body to be more acidic. But actually, it makes an alkaline effect and therefore helps to neutralize the levels of uric acid.
Also, the content of vitamin C contributes to reduce the levels of uric acid. In a glass with warm water, you need to squeeze one fresh lemon. Drink this every morning on an empty stomach, do that for 5 weeks.
Another alternative is to take supplements of vitamin C. For the proper suitability and dosage; you need to talk to your doctor.
5. Water
We are all aware that it is necessary to drink plenty of water on a regular basis. But, water may also help you to optimize the filtering of uric acid. Water may help to dilute this acid and also may stimulate the kidneys to get rid of surplus amount through urine.
Also, regular consumption of water may help reduce the risk of gout attacks. At the 2009 annual meeting, there was a presentation made in an Internet-based study about the consumption of water at the American College of Rheumatology.
The researchers came to the discovery that the participants that had from 5 to 8 glasses of water in a period of 24 hours before the possibility of gout attack had 40 % lower risk of attack. In comparison to those that had only 1 glass or even less.
Bear in mind, to consume from 8 to 10 glasses of plain water on a daily basis. Also in your diet add more fluids with vegetables and fruits that are rich in water.
6. Wheatgrass Juice
The wheatgrass is known to help restore the alkalinity in blood. Also, it is abundant in phytochemicals, vitamin C, and chlorophyll that help promote the detox of the body. The wheatgrass is also known as an excellent source of amino acids and protein, and that is why it can serve as an alternative to animal protein.
On a daily basis consume 2 tbsp. i.e. 1 ounce of wheatgrass juice that you will mix with fresh lemon juice. Consume this until your level of uric acid lowers.
7. Dairy Products
Dairy products and milk that is low-fat have been connected with lower concentrations of plasma urea and lower gout risk. And the skin milk has orotic acid that helps to lower the uric acid and its re-absorption and also promotes the uric acid to be eliminated through the kidneys.
On a daily basis, you need to consume from 1 to 5 cups of skim milk. Furthermore, in your diet, you may add other dairy products such as low-fat yogurt.
In addition, tofu may help to alter the concentration of plasma protein and also increase the clearance of uric acid. And on the other hand, it is shown that the soy milk may increase the uric acid.
8. Baking Soda
Bicarbonate of soda i.e. baking soda is shown to be highly beneficial to help lower the levels of uric acid and reduce the pain from gout. Plus, it helps in maintenance of the natural balance of alkaline in the body and contributes for the uric acid to be more soluble and also easier to eliminate it through the kidneys.
In a glass of water and ½ tsp. of baking soda and mix it. On a daily basis consume 4 glasses of this mixture. Do this for 14 days, and you may consume it every 2 to 4 hours.
Word of Caution
You cannot take this mixture regularly. Do not consume this mixture in case you have high blood pressure. If you are over 60 years old, on a daily basis, you should drink only 3 glasses of this baking soda mixture.
9. Olive Oil
When the vegetable oils are processed or heated the oils turn into rancid fats. And the rancid fats may actually destroy vitamin E found in the body. The vitamin E is the crucial element that controls the levels of uric acid.
Instead of vegetable oil, go for the olive oil that is cold-pressed. In the olive oil, there are monounsaturated fats that actually are stable when heated. In addition, the olive oil is rich in antioxidants and vitamin E, plus it provides anti-inflammatory benefits.
10. Apple Cider Vinegar
Because the apple cider vinegar is a natural detoxifier and cleanser, it may help to eliminate waste from your body such as uric acid. The apple cider vinegar has malic acids that break down and get rid of the uric acid.
In addition, this vinegar may help to restore the balance of alkaline acid in your body and has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits. In a glass of water, put 1 tsp. of apple cider vinegar that is unpasteurized, raw and organic.
On a daily basis drink this mixture from 2 to 3 times. Gradually you may increase the amount of vinegar to 2 tbsp. per 1 glass of water. You may consume this remedy until you notice a reduction of your uric acid levels.
Word of Caution
Do not consume an excess amount of apple cider vinegar, because it may lower the levels of potassium in your body. In addition, it may interfere with some diuretic drugs.
Extra Tips
Avoid high-fat foods since the may lower the ability of your body to get rid of uric acid. Limit your alcohol consumption, because it might interfere with getting rid of uric acid.
Maintain a well-balanced diet that shall be low in protein and high in complex carbs. Avoid to consume refined carbs such as candies, white bread, and cakes. Avoid to use glucose-fructose syrup or high-fructose syrup, because these syrups might increase the levels of uric acid.
Try to maintain a healthy weight and exercise on a regular basis. It is said that fatty tissue contributes to increase the production of uric acid.
Source: www.tipswebs.com