How To Reduce Uric Acid?

High protein diets used for weight loss can cause excess uric acid. Instead, opt for a healthy, balanced diet and exercise.

When the levels of uric acid in the blood are high, it can cause different diseases, such as gout, kidney stones or kidney failure. Find out more about this problem and its solutions with home remedies. Here we will tell you how to reduce uric acid.

Uric acid: what should you know?

This is a chemical reaction produced by the breakdown of a few chemicals called purines, which are found in foods like liver, herring, anchovies, and sardines.

Some plants and dairy products are made up of purines as well. However, studies have shown that they are not necessarily bad for your health and that they do not increase the risk of contracting gout.

Uric acid is recycled when cells die and it helps protect blood vessels. The kidneys are responsible for filtering it and it is eliminated through urine or stool, in small quantities. When the body makes too much uric acid, it builds up in joints, tendons, and some organs like the kidneys.

High uric acid levels are instrumental in the development of the disease known as “gout” although not all people get this disease because of it (it can also be due to high blood pressure, heart or kidney disease).

The causes of the increase in uric acid are different, they range from heredity to obesity, including high alcohol consumption and diets too rich in “negative” purines.

It can also occur because of diuretic drugs, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, hypothyroidism, psoriasis, or antidepressants.

One of the issues that should be emphasized with uric acid is that its high levels do not show symptoms at first.

Home remedies and recipes to reduce or eliminate uric acid

• Consume an apple (red or green) after lunch and dinner, without peeling it. The skin of the apple is rich in vitamin C. Try to take this dessert whenever you can to keep your body healthy. They also contain “healthy” acids like malic acid which naturally detoxifies the body and of course eliminates uric acid.

• Ingest foods and drinks rich in purine in moderation. We think of red meats (pork, lamb), poultry, beans, broad beans and alcoholic drinks. Consume only once a week. Replace them with foods that are low in fat and purines. Such as cooked rice, bread, farmhouse cheese and plain yogurt.

Beneficial drinks:

• Drink two tablespoons of cherry juice daily, which contains flavonoids (the cause of their red color). This is because it dissolves the uric acid that accumulates in the blood stream.
• Drink at least 8 glasses of water a day, to benefit from a large amount of essential minerals for the body. In addition, the water eliminates toxins and bacteria. This will strengthen the capacity of the kidneys, making them work sufficiently. Excess salt and caffeine have the opposite effect, since they slow down kidney tasks. They must therefore be avoided.
• Perform a detoxification technique. Once every two months or so, roughly remove the crystals that form in the body from uric acid. Dilute half a teaspoon of baking soda in ¼ liter of water and drink it 8 times a day. We do not recommend this drink for people with high blood pressure or kidney failure.
• Consume more artichokes as this vegetable has excellent diuretic properties which naturally remove uric acid through urine. There are hundreds of recipes to take advantage of this plant. For even more beneficial effects, one should consume boiled artichokes or drink their water.

Other foods useful for eliminating uric acid

• Among the foods recommended to reduce uric acid, we also find onions which serve to purify the body and prevent many problems. Boil two onions, peeled and cut into large pieces. Put them in a lemon juice and drink a cup of this preparation every day.
• Strawberries are also great for reducing uric acid and gout. You can opt for an infusion with its leaves and roots or consume it as a dessert daily.

• Including foods high in potassium helps prevent uric acid crystals from forming and makes it easier for the kidneys to clear it. Add bananas, avocados, green vegetables (spinach, chard, raisins, dried plums, potatoes, watermelon, strawberries and apricots) to your diet. It is also recommended to ingest complex carbohydrates. These are present in fruits, vegetables and whole flour.
• Limit or eliminate foods containing fructose or corn syrup, which are too sweet. They increase uric acid levels. Fructose is present in all sodas or commercial drinks (in some juices as well). Prefer water or natural squeezed juices without additives.
• Use more apple cider vinegar to season salads and foods. Lots of studies show that it is good for lowering uric acid. Indeed, it has a high content of potassium and acetic acid. It is possible to prepare a mixture with two tablespoons of vinegar in a cup of cold water. Then drink it twice a day.
• Avoid diets full of protein, suggested for weight loss. They can cause excessive production of uric acid. The best way to lose weight is to eat a healthy diet and exercise.