What is Uric Acid?
Uric acid is a substance produced when purines are broken down in the body. Purines are found in many foods and drinks, as well as naturally occurring in the body. Foods such as liver, anchovies, mackerel, dried beans, peas, and alcoholic beverages like beer and wine are particularly high in purines. If your uric acid level is increasing, you can try below mentioned home remedies for high uric acid.
Normally, uric acid dissolves in the blood and passes through the kidneys, exiting the body through urine. However, if your body produces too much uric acid or doesn’t eliminate it efficiently, it can lead to health issues. Hyperuricemia is the medical term for when there is a lot of uric acid in the blood.
Uric Acid Levels
The normal uric acid range for females is between 2.4-6.0 mg/dL, while for males, it ranges between 3.4-7.0 mg/dL.
| Uric acid level | Males | Females |
| Low | below 2.5 mg/dL | below 1.5 mg/dL |
| Normal | 2.5-7.0 mg/dL | 1.5-6.0 mg/dL |
| High | above 7.0 mg/dL | above 6.0 mg/dL |
What Causes High Levels of Uric Acid?
High levels of uric acid in the body can be caused by various factors. Some of the reasons for high uric acid are:
- Diet: Consuming foods rich in purines, such as red meat, seafood, and organ meats, is one of the primary causes of high uric acid.
- Alcohol: Drinking excessive amounts of alcohol, especially beer, can lead to elevated uric acid levels.
- Fructose and Sugar: High intake of sugary foods and beverages, including those with high fructose corn syrup, is among the reasons for high uric acid.
- Obesity: Being overweight or obese can increase the production and reduce the excretion of uric acid.
- Genetics: A family history of gout or other conditions related to high uric acid means you may be genetically predisposed to elevated levels.
- Medical Conditions: Certain health issues like kidney disease, hypertension, and hypothyroidism can lead to higher uric acid levels.
- Medications: Some drugs, such as diuretics and low-dose aspirin, can increase uric acid levels in the blood.
- Dehydration: Not drinking enough water can concentrate uric acid in the blood, making it more likely to form crystals.
- Fasting or Rapid Weight Loss: These can cause a temporary increase in uric acid due to the breakdown of body tissues.
- Stress: Chronic stress can be one of the reasons for high uric acid by affecting overall metabolic processes.
Symptoms of High Uric Acid Levels
High uric acid levels typically don’t cause noticeable symptoms. Most people are unaware they have elevated uric acid until it leads to gout or kidney stones. Here are the symptoms of increased uric acid:
- Joint Pain: One of the most common uric acid symptoms is severe pain in the joints, especially in the big toe, ankles, knees, and elbows.
- Swelling and Redness: Affected joints may become swollen, red, and warm to the touch, indicating inflammation.
- Stiffness: People with high uric acid levels may experience joint stiffness, particularly in the morning or after periods of inactivity.
- Tophi Formation: Chronic hyperuricemia (meaning elevated uric acid levels) can lead to the formation of tophi, which are hard lumps of uric acid crystals under the skin.
- Kidney Stones: Symptoms of increased uric acid can include the formation of kidney stones, causing severe pain in the lower back or abdomen.
- Frequent Urination: Increased uric acid can lead to more frequent urination as the body attempts to expel the excess acid.
- Difficulty in Moving: Hyperuricemia symptoms may include difficulty moving the affected joints due to pain and stiffness.
- Gout Attacks: Sudden and intense pain, often at night, is a classic sign of gout, which is associated with high uric acid levels.
- Fatigue: Chronic hyperuricemia symptoms can include feeling tired or lethargic due to ongoing inflammation and pain.
- Fever: In some cases, high uric acid levels can cause fever along with joint pain and swelling.
Top 8 Home Remedies to Reduce High Uric Acid level
To maintain healthy uric acid levels, include foods and beverages low in purines. Opt for low-fat dairy products like yogurt and milk, as they can help lower uric acid. Avoid high-purine foods like red meat, seafood, and organ meats, and limit alcohol and sugary drinks. This balanced diet can help keep your uric acid levels in check.
Here are 8 home remedies that help in uric acid treatment at home: You can try the following things:
1. Green tea
Green tea has a lot of catechins, which are powerful antioxidants. Catechin is used to slow down the body’s production of certain enzymes. It links to the production of uric acid and is therefore very helpful in lowering uric acid levels.
2. Add some of the fibre
Adding fibre to your diet can help to lower uric acid levels, the diet should include oats, whole grains, and vegetables like broccoli, pumpkin, and celery. These foods are full of dietary fibres that help the body absorb and get rid of uric acid.
3. Take vitamin C content
Eat fruits that are high in vitamin C every day, it can lower the level of uric acid in a short amount of time. Orange or sweet lime juices have a lot of vitamin C in them.
4. Cheeries
If you have high levels of uric acid in your body eat all berries, like strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, etc., which have properties that help reduce inflammation. Also, they have a lot of fibre, which helps lower the level of uric acid in the blood.
5. Take some fluids or an excess amount of water
Water is a natural cleanser and a body fluid that helps get rid of toxins. So, you should drink at least 10–12 glasses of water every day. Fluids are also helpful because they help get rid of uric acid from the body through the urine. So, drinking more fluids (juices) and water will help bring down the levels of uric acid.
6. Cucumber and carrots
If you have a high uric acid level in your body, carrots and cucumbers are good for you. Carrots have a lot of antioxidants, which help keep enzyme production under control. Because they have a lot of fibre, they can also help get rid of uric acid from the body. People who have a lot of uric acid in their blood can also eat cucumbers.
7. Vegetables
Vegetables can help lower uric acid levels and keep them under control. If you have a high level of uric acid, you avoid eating vegetables like spinach, asparagus, peas, and cauliflower, they may raise your uric acid levels.
Some vegetables you should start eating more of are tomatoes, broccoli, and cucumbers to lower your uric acid level.
8. Dark chocolate
Theobromine is typically in the cocoa bean, which is the highest content level in dark chocolates. Theobromine alkaloid is very helpful to reduce high uric acid levels as it can help relax the bronchial muscles of the lungs.
Things to do to Reduce the Uric Acid Level
- Avoid Sugar: Reducing sugar intake helps prevent spikes in uric acid levels.
- Avoid consuming alcoholic beverages: Limiting alcohol consumption can reduce uric acid production and prevent gout flare-ups.
- Reduce your weight: Losing excess weight can help lower uric acid levels and decrease the risk of gout.
- Maintain a healthy insulin balance: Managing insulin levels effectively can prevent high uric acid and related health issues.
- Eat Fibre rich food: Consuming fiber-rich foods aids in reducing uric acid levels by improving kidney function.
- Reduce your stress levels: Lowering stress helps decrease the production of uric acid and reduces the risk of gout attacks.
- Examine your prescriptions and supplements: Reviewing medications and supplements with your doctor ensures they do not contribute to increased uric acid levels.
Diet to Reduce High Uric Acid Level
1. Apple Cider Vinegar
Drink a glass of water with one teaspoon of organic apple cider vinegar every day. Apple cider vinegar cleanses and detoxifies the body naturally. It contains malic acid, which aids in the digestion and elimination of uric acid. Malic acid is present in apples so take it at least once a day.
2. Eat less purine
Limiting purine-rich foods can help regulate the lower uric acid in the body since uric acid is a waste result of purine breakdown. Pork, mutton, mushrooms, fish, and turkey are foods that should avoid.
3. Consume less alcohol
Alcohol intake is one of the most common causes of elevated uric acid levels in the body. Consume a limited amount of alcohol because it might raise uric acid levels in the body and cause dehydration.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
To lower uric acid quickly, drink plenty of water to help flush it out of your system and avoid high-purine foods like red meat, seafood, and alcohol. Eating a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can also help reduce uric acid levels.
Cherries are one of the best foods to reduce uric acid because they have anti-inflammatory properties and can help lower uric acid levels in the blood. Other beneficial foods include low-fat dairy products, whole grains, and vegetables.
Drinking plenty of water is the best way to help lower uric acid levels. Additionally, you can drink coffee, green tea, and lemon water, which may help reduce uric acid levels.
Yes, curd (yoghurt) is good for uric acid because it is low in purines and can help lower uric acid levels. Low-fat dairy products, in general, are beneficial for managing uric acid.
Allopurinol is commonly prescribed as a tablet to lower uric acid levels. However, it is essential to consult with a doctor to determine the best medication for your specific condition.
Normal uric acid levels generally range from 2.5-7.0 mg/dL for males and 1.5-6.0 mg/dL for females, regardless of age.
Uric acid levels above 7.0 mg/dL in males and above 6.0 mg/dL in females are considered high.
Yes, a uric acid level of 7.0 mg/dL is considered high for both males and females.
Yes, a uric acid level of 5.4 mg/dL falls within the normal range for both males and females.
Yes, eggs are low in purines and are considered good for managing uric acid levels.
Drink plenty of water, reduce intake of purine-rich foods, maintain a healthy diet, and take medications as prescribed by a healthcare provider to help flush out uric acid crystals.
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