Foods To Lower Uric Acid And Prevent Gout
People with gout need to be careful in choosing their food. The reason is clear; there are some foods that actually make uric acid worse. Don’t get depressed, there are still many other delicious foods that can be consumed by people with gout. In fact, there are also some foods that can reduce uric acid levels in the body.
Maintaining a diet is one way to treat gout, including the consumption of vegetables. It is common knowledge that gout sufferers are advised to avoid certain types of food, especially organ meats, shellfish, and others. However, is it true that these foods can worsen gout symptoms? You may be confused when you have to prepare food that is safe for gout sufferers but you want it to taste delicious. Relax, here’s a food guide for you to reduce gout.
What Is Gout?
Gout is a type of arthritis caused by high levels of uric acid in the blood due to abnormal purine metabolism. This excess uric acid can cause fluid buildup around the joints, especially in the fingers, ankles, hands, and knees, which in turn will form uric acid crystals. As a result of these uric acid crystals, the joints become inflamed and swell with intense pain. The good news is that gout can be avoided and controlled by changing your diet and healthy lifestyle and using drugs if needed. In the medical world, changing your food for certain conditions is called dieting. Adjusting the diet for the right uric acid will greatly help relieve arthritis, lower uric acid in the blood, and prevent recurrences.
What Causes Gout?
Gout is a type of joint disease caused by the accumulation of uric acid crystals in the joints. Uric acid is removed from the body through the kidneys with the urine. Uric acid crystals exist because the amount of uric acid that is removed by the body is small compared to that which is absorbed by the body. The accumulation of uric acid in the body is due to the fact that the body is very much fed with foods that contain purines such as meat and offal. Gout is not a disease that appears suddenly, the symptoms of this one disease appear gradually. And gout treatment cannot be done immediately or instantly. But for those of you, who suffer from gout, do not worry, because there are still many ways to avoid gout by consuming foods that have high purine content. If we cannot control purines in the body, it will make the uric acid condition worse. In addition, certain conditions can also trigger the production of too much uric acid, for example, people with impaired kidney function and chronic diseases. In some cases, gout can still occur even though uric acid levels in the blood are normal. This occurs when the body is able to remove uric acid from the blood, while uric acid crystals are still attached to the joints.
The acceptable range of uric acid in the blood is as follows:
4 to 6 mg/dl in women
4 to 7 mg/dl in men
What Are Purines?
Purines are chemicals that are broken down in the metabolic process into uric acid. Purines are actually good for the body and are obtained from the food we eat. Purines that have become uric acid will then flow in the blood, pass through the kidneys, and will be excreted with urine.
However, this normal process does not occur in people with gout. Gout complications can occur if the kidneys do not immediately remove the excess uric acid in the blood. If there is an increase in uric acid levels in the blood, this is what is known as hyperuricemia.
It leads to the formation of uric acid crystals in the joints, it will cause inflammation and pain called gout. In addition to gout, uric acid can also cause kidney stones. This disease is also quite dangerous for the body and certainly interferes with daily activities if left untreated. Therefore, for those of you who have not experienced gout, you should immediately prevent it.
The best way to prevent gout is actually to avoid the foods that cause it. But apart from that, you can eat the recommended foods. One of the recommended foods is lime.
The principle of choosing foods for gout
As explained earlier, gout can occur when there is too much uric acid in the blood. Indeed, there are many factors that cause excess uric acid, but the main factor is the intake of foods that are high in purines.
The main purpose of the diet for gout is to reduce swelling and inflammation and prevent gout attacks in the future. The setting of this diet menu depends on various factors such as age, medical history, and the severity of the condition.
Apart from using medical drugs such as anti-inflammatory drugs and gout drugs, gout attacks can also be managed through choosing the right diet, adopting a healthy lifestyle, and maintaining ideal body weight.
Foods that gout sufferers should avoid
For patients who are already suffering from severe gout, a diet for uric acid is very important to maintain healthy joints. This is as important as avoiding foods that can worsen gout.
As quoted from the American College of Rheumatology, several types of foods are very dangerous for gout sufferers so they should be avoided:
· Seafood
· Red meat
· Sweet food
· Alcohol
Foods Are Good For Lowering Uric Acid?
The following are foods that reduce high uric acid that you must know.
1. Olive Oil
If you have high uric acid levels in your blood, start cooking your meals in olive oil now. Olive oil can reduce high uric acid levels because it contains anti-oxidants, anti-inflamers, and unsaturated fatty acids that can keep uric acid levels normal. Besides this, the unsaturated fatty acids present in olive oil are good for people with high cholesterol. Olive oil is one of the healthiest oils which have many benefits. Olive oil is also known to be efficacious to prevent certain diseases, such as cancer, heart disease, and others.
2. Cherries
According to Medical News Today, early research suggests that cherries can reduce the risk of gout attacks, especially in people with a previous history of the disease. A 2012 study of 633 people with gout found that eating cherries for 2 days lowered the risk of gout attacks by 35 percent compared to not eating cherries. Fresh cherries are found to reduce the risk of gout attacks or disorders that come from high uric acid. The anthocyanins in cherries are proven to have powerful antioxidants that can fight free radicals that cause inflammation, cell, and tissue damage. According to research, consuming two servings of cherries regularly will reduce the risk of developing gout by up to 50 percent and if we consume the fruit extract, it will reduce the lower inflammation due to gout by 40 percent. People who also took allopurinol, an anti-gout drug, a combination drug, and cherries, reduce the risk of attack by 75 percent. Cherries can also prevent uric acid from crystallizing and settling in the joints. Cherries are even able to neutralize acids and help prevent inflammation and pain. Therefore, try regular consumption of cherries from now on. It is recommended to consume three servings of this fruit for at least two consecutive days. Apart from fresh fruit (red and black cherries), gout sufferers can also consume it in the form of juice and cherry fruit extract.
3. Green Tea
Green tea is considered an effective beverage for gout sufferers and helps to reduce uric acid levels in your body. A study at the US National Library of Medicine-National Institutes of Health has conducted a study on the efficacy of green tea on uric acid levels in the body. This study has found that green tea is rich in antioxidants called catechins. This compound is considered to be able to inhibit the production of uric acid in the body. In addition, green tea can also remove uric acid crystals and shed stones in the kidneys. Replace your morning drink with a cup of green tea, which is rich in anti-inflammatory properties and can control hyperuricemia or high uric acid levels in the blood. Apart from being recommended by people with high cholesterol, regular consumption of green tea is known to reduce uric acid.
4. Water
If you have high uric acid levels, try to consume more water every day. Apart from preventing dehydration, water can also reduce high uric acid. In addition, water can help the detoxification process or the elimination of body toxins, including excess uric acid levels. It is recommended to drink warm water in the morning before breakfast to help our body’s detoxification mechanism and drink a minimum of 8-9 glasses of water every day.
5. Berries
Fruits that are included in the berries group such as blackberries, strawberries, blueberries are very good for our bodies, especially as high uric acid-lowering foods because of their high antioxidant content. This fruit is proven to have anti-inflammatory properties that are useful for controlling inflammation in the joints and preventing high levels of uric acid in the blood. Try to always consume it regularly, starting from making juice with minimal sugar, consuming it directly, or making a topping for dessert.
6. Lemon
Its vitamin C content is able to dissolve uric acid in the blood, and then excrete it through urine. A 2017 study found that lemon juice and lemon extract helped lower uric acid levels in the blood in adults with high uric acid levels, drink fresh lemon juice daily for six weeks. The same research trial-tested lemon fruit extract on mice with high uric acid. The mice also showed reduced levels of this acid. Lemon juice can help balance uric acid levels as it helps make the body more alkaline. This means that it slightly raises the pH level of the blood and other fluids. Lemon juice also makes your urine more alkaline. According to a study published in the British Medical Journal, this is because drinking lemon juice causes the body to release more calcium carbonate. The mineral calcium binds to uric acid and breaks it down into the water and other compounds. This makes your blood less acidic and lowers uric acid levels in the body. You can also consume other fruits that contain vitamin C such as kiwi, oranges, mangoes, and others.
7. Food Sources of Vitamin C
Vitamin C containing foods are appropriate food for gout sufferers to reduce uric acid levels in your body. Vitamin C is not only about the immune system and about antioxidants. It turns out that vitamin C is also able to reduce uric acid levels in the body. Including foods that are high in vitamin C is another way to keep uric acid levels in check. These foods can be useful for breaking down uric acid and removing it from the body. When vitamin C enters the body, it naturally helps the process of removing excess uric acid through urine. This is the reason that increasing the consumption of vitamin C will make uric acid levels in your body decrease and avoid the problem of gout. Examples of fruits rich in vitamin C include oranges, lemon, tomato, green leafy vegetables, guava, kiwi, and pineapple.
8. Bananas for Uric Acid
One of the foods that are good for gout sufferers is bananas. A 2009 study from PubMed Central in the Archives of Internal Medicine, states that bananas have low purine content and high vitamin C so that it is very healthy to be consumed every day by gout sufferers. This fruit is certainly very familiar with the people; bananas are rich in potassium, antioxidants, and high in vitamin C. The content of these substances helps the body reduce uric acid levels in the blood if consumed regularly. So that is the reason why the consumption of bananas is very good and healthy for gout sufferers.
9. Apples for Uric Acid
Apart from being high in fiber, apples also contain malic acid, which can reduce uric acid in the bloodstream. Therefore, regular consumption of apples is believed to provide relief for anyone suffering from high uric acid conditions. Indeed, there are not many studies that can support this fact. Interestingly, apples are also believed to reduce the pain caused when your uric acid recurs. However, as the saying goes, eating one apple a day is still good for health, as long as it is not accompanied by excessive sugar consumption.
10. Lime for Uric Acid
Lime is believed to be efficacious in the treatment of gout. Since lime juice contains citric acid, which is able to dissolve uric acid, adding it to your daily diet will help prevent as well as suppress high uric acid levels. Lime is beneficial to other health issues like high cholesterol, kidney stone,building up immunity, etc. Squeeze a lime in a glass of water and drink it every day.
11. Ginger for Uric Acid
Ginger is an herbal plant that is often used to treat various inflammations. This kitchen spice is also believed to be able to help in overcoming gout attacks. Ginger contains anti-inflammatory substances, namely gingerols and shogaol, which will reduce pain due to inflammation caused by high uric acid, besides that ginger, can prevent the formation of crystals and relieve symptoms of high uric acid. You can use ginger topically. For example, by compressing ginger water for 15 to 30 minutes on parts of the body that experience symptoms of gout to relieve pain. If consumed, ginger is thought to be helpful in lowering uric acid levels in the blood for those with hyperuricemia. Patients are advised to consume three cups of ginger water every day to reduce the levels of this substance in their bodies.
12. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar intake is also beneficial for people with high uric acid. Apple cider vinegar contents malic acid which can break down and remove uric acid from the body. Apple cider vinegar is acidic in nature, but it is converted into an alkaline substance in the body and thereby removes the elements that cause gout. Apple cider vinegar contains potassium that helps in eliminating waste products in your body. To use it, you can add 3 teaspoons of apple cider vinegar to 1 cup of water. You can drink it 2-3 times every day. Drinking apple cider vinegar can help in treating high uric acid conditions. Remember, consuming apple cider vinegar increases the risk of erosive tooth decay.
13. Pinto Beans for Gout
Pinto beans contain folic acid, which helps the body lower uric acid naturally. You can also consume sunflower seeds and lentils to reduce the risk of high uric acid levels in the blood. Sunflower seeds also have similar benefits to pinto beans.However, what needs to be underlined is that the types of nuts that are safe for consumption by gout sufferers are only pinto and gourd types. Therefore, other types of nuts and seeds can actually trigger an increase in uric acid levels.
14. Foods High In Fiber
Adding high-fiber foods in your daily diet can help lower uric acid levels in the blood. A study conducted by the University of Maryland found that a high fiber diet is essential to control a high level of uric acid in the blood. Fiber intake in food can absorb uric acid from the bloodstream and help remove excess uric acid from the body. For this reason, regular consumption of foods rich in fiber can help your body prevent gout as early as possible so that the risk of pain caused by gout can be avoided. If you have been diagnosed with high uric acid, consume more soluble dietary fiber such as wheat, apples, oranges, broccoli, pear, strawberries, blueberries, cucumbers, celery, and papaya. Oats, bananas, and grains are also good sources of soluble fiber.
15. Salmon for Gout
Salmon fish is good for gout sufferers because it contains high omega 3 fatty acids, which can help reduce swelling and inflammation. Gout sufferers are advised not to choose other fish high in omega 3 fatty acids, such as herring, sardines, or mackerel because these fish contain high purine, on the other hand. However, it’s a different story with salmon. According to a study, the omega 3 content in salmon will be able to reduce swelling and inflammation. Interestingly, this type of fish is low in saturated fatty acids. This is what makes salmon can reduce uric acid and cholesterol in the body.
16. Celery for Uric Acid
Celery is often used to treat complaints related to the urinary tract. However, this green plant is also believed to be efficacious in reducing uric acid levels. Celery seeds have omega 6 fatty acids and other diuretic oils. Being a potent diuretic, it helps the system to get rid of excess fluid by stimulating the kidney to flush out uric acid. It lowers the inflammation of the body and also alkalizes your body. There is no specific advice regarding the portion of celery that should be consumed per day. Therefore, you can consume sufficient amounts. For example, eating raw celery leaves, making juice, or in the form of supplements. You may also take half a teaspoon of dried celery seed once daily. Don’t forget to take plenty of water with it.
17. French Bean Juice
One of the efforts to cure or prevent your uric acid from getting worse is by eating vegetables that are good for gout treatment. One of the many types of vegetables that are good for gout patients is French Long Beans. The natural fibers in French long beans can help improve the performance of the kidneys in absorbing excess uric acid to be excreted from the body in the form of urine.
That way, you can control the purines in the body and avoid painful gout attacks. This type of bean is safe when consumed by people with uric acid because it contains quite low purines. Besides being made into cooking, you can consume French long beans by juicing them. Drinking extracted juice of French beans in an effective home remedy to treat gout. This health juice should be consumed twice a day as it prevents the production of high uric acid.
Indeed, consuming these uric acid-lowering foods cannot be used as a medicine to cure gout. But a balanced diet can help reduce the risk of recurring gout symptoms and slow joint damage. Maintaining a healthy diet can have a significant positive effect on the body as well as help in healing your gout. Although uric acid cannot be completely cured, at least the uric acid level in the body remains at normal numbers.
Basically, the variety of uric acid-lowering foods is not a drug. However, the right diet can help sufferers to reduce the likelihood of attacking gout symptoms. To treat gout thoroughly, you still need to consult a doctor. With this, you can get the right treatment as well as diet recommendations.
Therefore, people with gout generally still need uric acid medication from a doctor even though they have routinely applied the right diet. These drugs will relieve pain complaints as well as reduce uric acid levels in the blood.
Disclaimer: Only generic information is provided in this content and this is in no way a substitute for a qualified medical opinion. Always consult your own doctor or a specialist for more information. HEALTHY and FITNESS do not claim responsibility for this information.
