
Uric acid is the waste product found in our blood and is created when our body breaks down the chemicals called purine nucleotides. Purine occurs naturally in the body and in some food. In some cases, uric acid can build up in the blood. Hyperuricemia is the medical term for this. This problem may occur if the body produces excess uric acid.
The low uric acid level
To have low uric acid levels is unusual & is less common compared to high uric acid levels. Also, they are less of a health concern. But it is possible if a person produces excess uric acid out of their body as waste that can cause dehydration. The low uric acid level can be caused due to:
- A disease called Wilson’s disease, an inherited disorder that leads to copper production in the body tissues
- A kidney disorder called Fanconi syndrome
- Low purine diet
- Kidney or liver disease
The high uric acid level
Some food and drinks may have a high content of purines that can increase the level of uric acid. These include:
- Seafood like shrimp, salmon, sardines, and lobster
- Foods and drinks high in fructose corn syrup and alcohol
- Red meat
- Organ meat such as liver
- anchovies
- mackerel
- dried beans
- peas
- bacon
- turkey
- veal
- trout
- haddock
- herrings
Uric acid can also build up in the tissues and joints, which can cause a variety of health problems. If your body contains a high amount of uric acid, that means you are at a higher risk of gout.
Gout is a form of arthritis that can be very painful. Further, if not treated early, it may create health issues like:
- Type 2 diabetes
- fatty liver disease
- high blood pressure
- kidney stones
- leukemia
- multiple myeloma
- hypoparathyroidism
- joint and tissue damage
- heart and kidney disease
Natural ways to lower uric acid levels
Purine is found naturally in some foods. When we consume purine food, our body breaks down the purine chemical and produces uric acid. Extra production of uric acid can cause gout. Try to limit your purine-rich food diet.
Vitamin C helps to reduce the uric acid level in your blood. Drinking enough fluids (unsweetened and low in sugar) while treating gout is considered good, so orange juice can be a healthier option.
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Maintain a healthy body weight
Obesity increases the chance of gout. A healthy body weight can reduce the risk of excess production of uric acid, thereby reducing the risk of gout.
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Avoid sugary drinks and alcohol
An increase in the consumption of sugary and alcoholic drinks increases the chances of gout. It may result in weight gain and metabolic issues.
Foods that are rich in fiber reduce the chances of gout. Some of the ideal fibrous fruits, vegetables and food grains that you can include in your diet are:
- Oats
- Apples
- broccoli
- pears
- strawberries
- blueberries
- cucumbers
- celery
- carrots and
- barley
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