If you have high uric acid, consume more of these 6 foods.

Uric acid is a natural metabolic product in the body, a byproduct of the metabolism of purine-containing substances. The main sources of uric acid are both endogenous and exogenous.

Exogenous purine sources come from daily food intake. Some foods and beverages are high in purine, such as animal organs, seafood, beer, and alcohol. Endogenous purine sources are due to the metabolism of nucleic acids in the body. This metabolism mainly takes place in the liver, with a small portion occurring in the intestinal mucosa.

Excess uric acid can accumulate as crystals in body tissues, particularly the kidneys and joints, causing kidney stones and gout.

If you have higher-than-normal uric acid levels, you might wonder how to lower them naturally. There's nothing a good diet can't help you with. All you need to do is adopt a diet that includes plenty of fruits, whole grains, and certain beverages.

Many studies indicate that changing your diet can help control gout symptoms and reduce your risk of developing gout. Eating a low-purine diet will reduce uric acid production, which can in turn reduce gout attacks.

Adding fruits like bananas, cherries, and apples to your diet is a great way to lower uric acid levels.

Banana

If you suffer from gout due to high uric acid levels, bananas are one of the best fruits to lower uric acid in your blood. This also helps reduce the risk of gout attacks.

Bananas are very low in purine—a naturally occurring compound that breaks down into uric acid—making them a good choice for treating high uric acid levels. Research published in the journal Nutrients also suggests the same.

According tographlineBananas are a very low-purine food. They are also a good source of vitamin C. A 2021 review suggested that high vitamin C intake may protect against gout, but further research is needed to confirm this potential benefit.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture states that one banana contains 14.1mg of vitamin C, providing approximately 16% of the daily recommended value.

Therefore, a banana a day can be helpful in controlling uric acid levels. They contain enough potassium for organs to function properly. In addition, their fiber content can help remove uric acid from the body.

Apple

Apples are high in fiber. This helps lower uric acid levels. Fiber absorbs uric acid from the blood and removes excess uric acid from your body. Furthermore, apples are rich in malic acid, which neutralizes the effects of uric acid in the body.

A study published in the Asia Pacific Journal of Clinical Nutrition also discussed the similar effect of apples on uric acid levels.

Cherry

According toHealthshotsCherries contain a natural anti-inflammatory compound called anthocyanin, which helps control uric acid levels.

A study published in the journal Arthritis and Rheumatology showed that people who eat cherries have a lower risk of gout attacks compared to those who don't. By reducing inflammation, cherries also prevent uric acid from crystallizing and depositing in your joints, the main cause of gout.

Coffee

A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition showed that participants had a reduced risk of gout when they drank coffee. However, if you have other health conditions, consult your doctor before adding coffee to your diet.

Citrus fruits

Fruits like oranges and lemons are rich sources of vitamin C and citric acid. Adding these foods to your daily diet can help maintain healthy uric acid levels in your body, as they can effectively eliminate excess uric acid.

Green tea

Several studies have shown that green tea extract can reduce uric acid production in the body, making it a beneficial beverage for people with gout or high uric acid levels in their blood.

Drinking enough water, avoiding alcohol and coffee, and controlling your weight are excellent tips for lowering uric acid levels.