What Is Uric Acid And How Do You Control It?

In this article, you will learn more about uric acid and how you can control it.

What to know about uric acid?

Uric acid is produced in our body when purines are broken down.

These substances are found in many foods such as fish, dairy products and plants.

At normal levels it is not bad as it protects the blood vessels.

However, when it is present in excessive amounts, it can increase the risk of suffering from diseases.

As uric acid accumulates in the blood (filtered through the kidneys) and in the renal system, it can cause problems in the joints, muscles and various organs. 

A greater propensity to suffer from uric acid can result from:

• Heredity
• Obesity
• Eating a diet rich in purines
• Drink a lot of alcohol
• Consume diuretics
• Ingest antidepressant drugs
• Undergoing chemotherapy or radiotherapy
• Have hypothyroidism
• Suffer from psoriasis
• Kidney failure

To prevent the amount of uric acid from continuing to increase in the body and causing problems, it is advisable to follow a balanced diet and reduce the consumption of certain foods such as:

• Red meats
• Seafood
• Anchovies
• Alcoholic drinks
• Sodas
• Asparagus
• Cauliflower
• Ham
• Bacon

Home remedies to reduce uric acid

In addition to eating a healthy diet and avoiding foods that increase uric acid levels in the blood, you can benefit from the following ingredients:

Artichokes

This vegetable has very interesting properties for excreting uric acid through urine.

If you consume boiled artichokes, do not throw out the water. It will serve you as a broth and will bring you even more benefits.

Onion

It is used to cleanse the body and prevent future problems, such as gout.

Ingredients

• 1 onion
• The juice of a lemon
• ½ liter of water

Preparation

• Bring the water to a boil in a saucepan.
• Meanwhile, cut the onion into pieces and squeeze the juice from the lemon.
• Cook the mixture of the three ingredients, until it boils.
• Then remove from the heat and let cool a bit before straining. Drink 2 cups a day.

Apple

Apples are great for combating high levels of uric acid.

We advise you to eat one green apple per day, with the skin on. You can also consume “apple water”, by following these tips:

Ingredients

• 3 apples
• 1 liter and a half of water

Preparation

• Put the water to heat.
• Cut the apples, without peeling them. When the water boils, cook them for 30 minutes.
• Strain and drink a cup of the liquid once it is warm or at room temperature.
• You can keep the rest in the fridge and drink it whenever you want. It is a very healthy natural remedy.

The strawberries

This fruit full of vitamins, minerals and nutrients is ideal to avoid suffering from gout.

You can eat one or two a day, or choose to drink a tea made from the leaves or roots of strawberries.

Ingredients

• 1 handful of strawberry leaves and roots.
• 1 liter of water

Preparation

• Heat the water and add the handful of strawberry leaves and roots.
• When the water boils, let the decoction for 15 minutes.
• Let sit for another 10 minutes and filter.
• Drink as an infusion, with honey or stevia.

Apple vinegar

Studies indicate that apple cider vinegar can reduce uric acid in the blood.

This is believed to be due to the amount of potassium and acetic acid it contains.

In addition to seasonings, you can benefit from the virtues of apple cider vinegar by drinking a small amount of this product every morning on an empty stomach.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar (20 ml)
• 1 cup of water (250 ml)

Preparation

• Mix the two ingredients, stirring well and drink immediately before breakfast.
• If you wish, you can repeat the operation in the afternoon.

Some tips for reducing uric acid in the blood

Pay attention to the following tips, which can help lower the amount of uric acid in your blood:

Eat more potassium foods in your diet

This nutrient has been verified to have the ability to prevent the formation of uric acid crystals in the kidneys.

Foods that are high in potassium include:

• The banana
• Avocado
• The prune
• The green vegetables
• Potato
• The strawberry
• The watermelon
• Apricot

Eat more cherries

This fruit contains substances with anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce uric acid and prevent gout.

Eat a handful a week, on its own or in salads or desserts.

Drink enough water

If doctors advise everyone to drink 2 liters of water a day, it is not just a whim.

In addition to all the virtues that water can bring us, you should know that it also helps to eliminate uric acid from our body.

If you are not that keen on drinking water “on its own”, you can try consuming herbal infusions or natural juices.

Be aware that coffee and milk do not fall into this category.

Avoid eating too much protein

Protein is great for people who want to lose weight, but it can cause uric acid to increase.

Eat a balanced diet, drink plenty of water, and exercise.