Hyperuricemia or the elevated levels of uric acid in the blood are caused by either increased production of uric acid in the body or reduced excretion of it through the kidneys. This leads to numerous other health issues, like the formation of kidney stones, renal failure, or gouty arthritis (the accumulation of uric acid in joints in the form of crystals.
Recent studies have also found that high blood uric acid levels might also cause hypertension and cardiovascular disease. The normal uric acid levels in men are in the range 3.4–7.0mg/dL, and 2.4–6.0 mg/dL in women. High uric acid levels in the blood might also be a result of alcohol abuse, genetics, a diet high in purines, renal insufficiency, underactive thyroid, endocrine or metabolic conditions like diabetes or acidosis, obesity, and certain other diseases.
Also, certain cancers, chemotherapy, and medications like diuretics might elevate these levels. Crash dieting, fasting, and exercise might temporarily increase uric acid in the blood. Yet, there are also some natural remedies can help you control and decrease uric acid levels, and these are the 10 most successful:
Water
The consumption of lots of water optimize the uric acid levels, as it dilutes the uric acid and supports the function of the kidneys to remove excess amounts from the body through urine. The consumption of enough water also lowers the risk of recurrent gout attacks.
The findings of an internet-based study presented at the 2009 annual meeting of the American College of Rheumatology indicate that participants who drank five to eight glasses of water in the 24-hour period before a possible gout attack had a 40 percent lower risk of an attack in comparison to those who drank only one glass of water. Therefore, make sure you drink 8 glasses of water every day and consume water-rich foods like fruits and vegetables.
Baking Soda
Baking soda, or bicarbonate of soda, effectively lowers uric acid levels and soothe gout pain. It optimizes the pH levels in the body and makes the uric acid soluble so it can be easily eliminated from the body. Add half a teaspoon of baking soda in a glass of water and drink it. Repeat 4 times daily, and if you suffer from high blood pressure, you should drink up to 3 glasses daily.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is a natural detoxifier of the body and removes the excess uric acid from the body. The malic acid breaks down and removes uric acid, restores the alkaline state of the body and offer antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. In a glass of water, add a teaspoon of raw, organic, unpasteurized apple cider vinegar, and drink this 2-3 times daily. After some time, you can gradually increase the dose up to 2 tablespoons per glass. Yet, note that ACV might reduce the potassium levels in the body, so do not consume it in excess and do not combine it with diuretics.
Dairy Products
Low-fat milk and dairy products reduce plasma urate concentrations and lower the risk of gout. For instance, skim milk is high in orotic acid which reduces the reabsorption of uric acid and helps its removal through the kidneys.You should drink 1-5 glasses of it a day, or you can choose some other dairy product, such as low-fat yogurt. Tofu is also highly beneficial, as it changes the plasma protein concentration and eliminates uric acid. Note that you should avoid soy milk, as it increases uric acid levels.
Lemon Juice
Lemon juice alkalizes the body and neutralizes uric acid. Also, it is rich in vitamin C which decreases uric acid levels. In a glass of warm water, add the juice of one lemon and drink it on an empty stomach for two weeks.
Wheatgrass Juice
Wheatgrass is another way to alkalize the body. It is high in vitamin C, chlorophyll and phytochemicals which detoxify the body, and the protein and amino acids can replace animal protein. Mix 2 tablespoons of wheatgrass juice mixed with some lemon juice and drink this daily to lower uric acid levels in the body.
Cherries
Cherries and dark berries are rich in chemicals which lower uric acid levels. Moreover, purple and blue-colored berries are high in flavonoids known as anthocyanins which reduce lower uric acid and alleviate inflammation and stiffness. You should consume half a cup of cherries daily for 14 days or drink 1-2 glasses of tart cherry juice for a month. You should increase the intake of foods rich in antioxidants and vitamin C, such as tomatoes, strawberries, bell peppers, and blueberries.
Olive Oil
When heated or processed, most vegetable oils turn into rancid fats, which lower the levels of vitamin E in the body, which controls uric acid levels. Therefore, you should consume cold-pressed olive oil in cooking, as it is high in monounsaturated fats which remain stable when heated, and it is rich in antioxidants and vitamin E.
High-Fiber Foods and Starchy Carbohydrates
Dietary fiber reduces uric acid levels by absorbing them and removing them from the body. Therefore, consume foods with starchy carbohydrates and are low in purine. Consume more pears, oranges, strawberries, apples, and whole grains, and starchy foods such as quinoa, bananas, oats, potatoes, rice, whole grain pasta, and tapioca. Moreover, drink green papaya tea, as this fruit is rich in papain, which alkalizes the body and has powerful anti-inflammatory effects. This will help you prevent the accumulation of uric acid and soothe uric acid and gout-related issues.
A Low-Purine Diet
Purines are nitrogen-containing compounds, most commonly found in animal proteins, which break down into uric acid and thus raise the uric acid levels in the body. Avoid animal proteins like poultry, fish, organ meats, and meats, as well as purine-rich foods like yeast, beans, legumes, mushrooms, beer, and asparagus.
Furthermore, make sure you also follow the additional tips:
Consume a balanced diet, rich in complex carbohydrates and low in protein, and avoid refined carbohydrates like candies, cakes, and bread
Maintain a healthy weight and exercise regularly, as fatty tissues raise the production of uric acid
Limit the intake of foods high in fat, as it impedes the ability of the body to lower the uric acid levels
Avoid alcohol as it interferes with the removal of uric acid from the body
Stay away from high-fructose corn syrup or glucose-fructose syrup since they raise uric acid levels.