Hyperuricemia, or high uric acid levels in the blood, can be due to low excretion of uric acid through the kidneys or an increase in production of this acid. This can lead to kidney stones, gouty arthritis, and even renal failure. Studies also show that high uric acid levels in the blood are linked to cardiovascular disease and hypertension.
For men, the normal uric acid level is at 3.4-7.0 mg/dL while for women, the normal level is 2.4-6.0mg/dL. These values may vary in different laboratories.
Among the factors that can cause your uric acid levels to spike are too much consumption of alcohol, a high purine diet, obesity, genetics, acidosis, diabetes, underactive thyroid, and renal insufficiency among others.
There are some types of cancer, medications like diuretics, and chemotherapy agents that can also cause high uric acid levels. The uric acid levels can also increase temporarily when you fast, exercise, and even go on a crash diet.
There are ways and natural remedies that you can use to help you reduce and regulate your uric acid. Also, you need to get the right diagnosis and treatment from a healthcare specialist.
10 Ways to Regulate Uric Acid Levels
1. Lemon juice.
It’s not unusual to think that drinking lemon juice will make you more acidic. However, lemon juice has alkaline that can neutralize the uric acid in your system. What’s more, it has vitamin C which can also reduce uric acid levels. Squeeze one lemon in a glass with warm water and drink it before eating. Do this for a few weeks. You can also take supplements for vitamin C. Ask your doctor for the proper dosage.
2. Baking soda.
Also known as bicarbonate of soda, baking soda can help reduce pain and lower the levels of uric acid. It can help balance the alkaline in your body to make your uric acid soluble to make it easier to eliminate through the kidneys. Combine one half teaspoon of baking soda into a glass with water. Drink up to four glasses regularly for two weeks. You can take this mixture for 2 to 4 hours. Take note, however, that this shouldn’t be done on a regular basis. If you have high blood pressure, this treatment is not for you. Those who are 60 years old and above should limit their intake to 3 glasses per day.
3. Water.
Drink water can filter uric acid since it can dilute it and help the kidneys to get rid of any excess amounts through urine. What’s more, drinking proper amounts of water daily can help reduce gout attacks. A study, which was internet-based, presented at the yearly meeting of the American College of Rheumatology back in 2009, showed that those who drank 5 to 8 glasses of water within 24 hours before a possible gout attack had reduced their risk by 40% compared to those who only drank a glass of water. This is why you should reach 8 to 10 glasses of water daily and that you add more fluids and fruits that are rich in water as well as vegetables in your daily diet.
4. Starchy carbohydrates and foods high in fiber.
Foods that contain high amounts of dietary fiber are found to reduce uric acid levels through absorption and elimination from the body. You can also consume foods that contain starchy carbohydrates since they are low in purine content. Apples, oranges, whole grains, strawberries, and pears are examples of foods that are high in fiber while rice, tapioca, potato, quinoa, whole grain pasta, bananas, and oats are considered to be starchy carbohydrates that can be incorporated into your diet.
5. Wheatgrass juice.
Your body’s alkalinity can be restored with the aid of wheatgrass. Also it can help with detoxification because it has chlorophyll, phytochemicals, and vitamin C. It also contains amino acids and protein that you can substitute for protein from animals. You only need to drink an ounce or two tablespoons of wheatgrass juice combined with a squeeze of juice of lemon daily or until your uric acid goes down.
6. Dairy products.
Dairy products and low-fat milk are linked to reduced plasma urate concentrations as well as lowered gout risk. For example, skim milk has orotic acid that is known to reduce the re-absorption of uric acid and boosts its elimination through your kidneys. You only need to drink 1 to 5 cups of skim milk every day. You can also add other dairy products such as low-fat yogurt in your daily diet. Tofu is also helpful in eliminating uric acid due to its plasma protein concentration. However, soymilk is linked with high uric acid.
7. Low purine diet.
Purines are basically compounds that contain nitrogen that break down and form uric acid which causes a spike in your uric acid levels. These are usually contained in animal proteins. You should avoid animal proteins from poultry, meats, organ meats, and fish. Yeast, legumes, beans, asparagus, and mushrooms are also high in purine content as well as beer.
8. Olive oil.
Vegetable oils usually become rancid when processed or heated. These fats can destroy essential vitamin E in your body which is needed for regulating uric acid levels. Instead of using shortening, vegetable oil, or even butter when baking and cooking, choose olive oil that is cold-pressed. Olive oil has monounsaturated fats that are stable even when heated. Also, it is high in antioxidants and vitamin E as well as anti-inflammatory components.
9. Cherries.
Dark berries and cherries have chemicals that can lower the levels of uric acid. What’s more, they have flavonoids referred to as anthocyanins that reduce uric acid, stiffness, and inflammation. You should eat one half cup of cherries every day for a few weeks or drink 1 to 2 cups of tart cherry juice for four weeks or so. You can also add strawberries, bell peppers, blueberries, tomatoes, and other vegetables and fruits that are high in antioxidants and vitamin C to your diet.
10. Apple cider vinegar.
Since apple cider vinegar is a known natural detoxifier and cleanser, it can help eliminate wastes such as uric acid from your body. It has malic acid that can help break uric acid down and eliminate it. ACV is also known for restoring the balance of your alkaline acid as well as provides antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits.
Other Tips
- Stay away from syrups that are high in fructose or glucose-fructose since they are linked to high uric acid levels.
- Eat a well balanced diet that is low in protein and has high amounts of complex carbohydrates. You should also stay away from cakes, white bread, and candies since they contain refined carbohydrates.
- Reduce intake of foods that have high amounts of fat since it inhibits your body’s ability to get rid of uric acid.
- Exercise regularly and keep your ideal weight. Many believe that fatty tissues are linked to high production of uric acid.
