How can we eliminate uric acid from the body?
Certain health conditions, dietary habits, and genetics can cause high uric acid levels. Avoiding alcohol and limiting certain foods may help lower these levels.
Uric acid is a natural waste product of the digestion of purine-containing foods. Purines are found in high concentrations in certain foods and are formed and broken down in the body.
Normally, your body filters uric acid through your kidneys and urine. If you consume too much purine or if your body can't eliminate this byproduct quickly enough, uric acid can build up in your blood.
A standard uric acid level is below 6.8 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL). High uric acid levels (above 6.8 mg/dL) are considered hyperuricemia. This can lead to gout and cause your blood and urine to be excessively acidic.
You can take medication to help eliminate uric acid crystals. The more you urinate, the more effective it will be. For this reason, drinking plenty of water is also very important. In addition, drinking 8 glasses of water a day is the best way to help the kidneys eliminate uric acid.
When you have high uric acid levels, you need to avoid foods rich in purines such as seafood, red meat, etc. (Image: Shutterstock)
Here are some ways to naturally lower uric acid levels:
ButLimit foods high in purines.
According tographlineFoods rich in purines include certain types of meat, seafood, and vegetables. All of these foods contribute to the production of uric acid during digestion. Therefore, you should avoid or reduce your intake of purine-rich foods, such as red meat, organ meats, fish, shellfish, and poultry.
A 2020 study showed that reducing purine-rich vegetables may not affect uric acid levels.
According to Vinmec Hospital, to avoid high uric acid levels in the blood, you should reduce your protein intake and limit your consumption of foods rich in purine-containing proteins such as seafood, red meats like buffalo, beef, and goat, and animal offal.
At the same time, we need to avoid eating sour foods such as fermented pork rolls, pickled onions, sour soup, sour fruits, etc., because they increase the risk of urate crystallization in the renal tubules, increasing the risk of kidney stones.
ButAvoid the road.
Fructose is a naturally occurring sugar found in fruits and honey. When your body breaks down fructose, it releases purines and increases uric acid levels. Fructose in beverages is absorbed more quickly than sugar in whole foods because beverages lack fiber, protein, or other nutrients.
Other types of sugar added to food include table sugar, corn syrup, etc.
ButDrink plenty of water.
Drinking plenty of fluids helps the kidneys eliminate uric acid more quickly. The kidneys filter about 70% of the uric acid in your body. Drinking enough water can help support kidney function and may reduce the risk of uric acid kidney stones.
ButAvoid drinking alcohol.
Drinking alcohol can lead to dehydration. Research from 2021 suggests it may also cause an increase in uric acid levels. Some types of alcohol, such as beer, contain higher levels of purines than others. However, even alcohol with lower purine content can increase purine production.
Alcohol increases the metabolism of nucleotides, another source of purines that can be converted into uric acid. It also affects the rate of uric acid excretion, leading to increased blood levels.
ButDrink coffee
Research from 2016 suggests that coffee may help lower serum uric acid levels in two main ways. It competes with the enzyme that breaks down purines in the body, reducing the rate at which uric acid is produced. It also increases the rate at which your body excretes uric acid.
ButWeight management
Excess body fat can contribute to elevated uric acid levels. Being overweight can also cause your kidneys to function less efficiently. It can increase uric acid production and decrease its excretion in urine.
ButControl blood sugar levels
Research from 2019 showed that hyperuricemia is linked to the development of diabetes and related complications. People with high blood sugar levels, such as those with prediabetes or diabetes, are also at higher risk of experiencing the side effects of hyperuricemia.
ButEat plenty of fiber.
Eating plenty of fiber can help lower uric acid levels. Fiber can also help balance blood sugar and insulin levels. It tends to increase feelings of fullness, helping you feel satisfied for longer.
ButCheck medications and supplements.
Certain medications and supplements can cause uric acid to build up, including aspirin, diuretics, vitamin B-3 (niacin), and immunosuppressants such as cyclosporine and tacrolimus.
Thus, diet, exercise, and other lifestyle changes can help improve gout and other health conditions caused by high uric acid levels. However, they cannot always replace medical treatments.
You should take all prescription medications as directed by your doctor. The right combination of diet, exercise, and medication can help lower high uric acid levels and prevent symptoms.
There are many foods to avoid to help lower uric acid levels. The best way to limit these foods is to create a weekly meal plan. Talk to a nutritionist about the best diet for you.
