Have you ever woken up with sudden, throbbing pain in your toe or noticed swelling in your joints after a heavy meal? If so, high uric acid levels could be the cause of these issues. This condition is commonly associated with gout, a painful form of inflammatory arthritis that causes painful joint inflammation.
Uric acid is a waste product created when the body breaks down purines. Purines are naturally found in cells and in foods such as red meat, seafood, and certain vegetables. Under normal circumstances, the kidneys filter out uric acid from the bloodstream. However, when the body produces too much uric acid or the kidneys cannot eliminate it efficiently, the excess acid can form needle-like crystals that settle in the joints. This leads to symptoms such as pain, swelling, and stiffness, commonly referred to as gout attacks or flares.
The number of people affected by gout is expected to rise significantly in the coming decades. According to recent estimates, the incidence of gout is projected to increase by more than 70% between 2020 and 2050 [1]. While medications are commonly used to treat gout, dietary adjustments and lifestyle changes can also help control uric acid levels naturally and reduce the frequency of gout flare-ups.
In this blog, we will explore effective home remedies that may help lower uric acid levels and reduce your risk of developing gout.
Top 10 Home Remedies to Reduce High Uric Acid Levels
To manage uric acid levels naturally, focus on hydration, fibre, and foods that support kidney health and reduce inflammation.
Here are 10 effective home remedies to help lower uric acid levels:
1. Drink Plenty of Water
Drinking water is one of the most effective ways to help manage uric acid levels. Water helps dilute and flush excess uric acid from the body through urine, which reduces the risk of uric acid crystals forming in the joints. Aim for at least 8 to 10 glasses of water per day to support healthy kidney function and prevent gout flare-ups. Additionally, drinking unsweetened lemon water can be beneficial, as lemon juice helps to alkalize the body, which may help neutralise some acidity.
2. Add Fibre-Rich Foods
Including fibre-rich foods like whole grains, fruits, and vegetables in your diet is an important step for overall health. Fibre is believed to help absorb and eliminate uric acid from the digestive tract [6]. By promoting healthy digestion and supporting overall metabolic function, fibre-rich foods can indirectly help the body manage uric acid levels more effectively. Regular consumption of fibre also helps maintain a healthy weight, which is crucial in managing gout.
3. Vitamin C-Rich Fruits
Fruits like oranges, guava, kiwi, and amla are rich in Vitamin C, which has been shown to modestly enhance the excretion of uric acid through urine [2]. A study has shown that increasing vitamin C intake can modestly reduce serum uric acid concentrations in men [2]. Regular consumption of these vitamin C-rich fruits can help lower uric acid levels over time, reducing the risk of gout attacks.
4. Tart Cherries
Studies have shown that tart cherries (not all berries) may significantly help reduce gout flares due to their strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties [3]. Researchers found that eating cherries reduced the risk of a gout attack by 35%. Those who used cherry extract saw an even greater benefit, with a 45% lower risk of flare-ups [3].
Tip: For relief, eat fresh tart cherries or drink unsweetened cherry juice.
5. Green Tea
Green tea, rich in catechins, has antioxidant properties that help protect against oxidative stress. These compounds may also help inhibit an enzyme involved in uric acid production [4]. Drinking one or two cups daily may benefit those with gout-related joint inflammation, helping reduce symptoms and support overall joint health.
6. Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV)
ACV is a popular traditional remedy, but clinical evidence linking it directly to lower uric acid is limited. Add 1 teaspoon of organic ACV to a glass of warm water daily. It contains malic acid, which may support liver and kidney function [5]. If you choose to use it, do so only in moderation and after consulting your physician.
7. Avoid High-Purine Foods
Limiting or avoiding high purine foods is the cornerstone of dietary gout management [6].
- Limit or avoid: Organ meats (liver, kidney), Red meats (pork, mutton), Shellfish and oily fish (anchovies, sardines, mackerel).
- Vegetables: While once restricted, most purine-rich vegetables (peas, cauliflower, mushrooms, spinach) do not increase the risk of gout attacks and should be consumed as part of a healthy diet [6].
- Focus on: Water-rich vegetables like cucumbers and carrots help hydrate. Focus on tomatoes, bell peppers, and leafy greens.
8. Moderate Coffee Intake
Black coffee (without sugar or cream) may help lower uric acid levels due to its antioxidant and potential uricosuric (increasing uric acid excretion) properties [7]. Limit to 1–2 cups per day if tolerated. Note that this effect is seen with regular, moderate intake, not excessive consumption.
9. Low-Fat Dairy Products
Low-fat dairy products (like milk, yoghurt, and curd) are strongly associated with lower serum uric acid levels and a decreased risk of gout [6]. Dairy is a better choice than dark chocolate for gout management.
- Dark Chocolate (Optional): Dark chocolate with high cocoa content contains antioxidants. While not proven to directly lower uric acid, it may reduce inflammation, which is common in people who suffer from gout. Use in small amounts as a treat.
10. Balance Blood Sugar & Insulin
Poor blood sugar control and insulin resistance can increase uric acid levels [8]. When the body becomes resistant to insulin, as in prediabetes and type 2 diabetes, it struggles to eliminate uric acid through the kidneys. This can elevate your risk of gout over time.
- Cut Back on Sugar: Fructose and high-fructose corn syrup and refined sugar are strongly linked to higher uric acid and gout [8].
- Limit Alcohol: Especially beer and spirits, which are high in purines and may impair kidney function [9].
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How can I lower my uric acid quickly?
To lower uric acid quickly, medication prescribed by a doctor is usually necessary. However, you can support rapid reduction by drinking plenty of water to help flush it out of your system and strictly avoiding high-purine foods like red meat, seafood, and alcohol.
What is the best food to reduce uric acid?
Tart cherries are among the best foods for reducing uric acid levels and gout flares due to their anti-inflammatory properties [3]. Other beneficial foods include low-fat dairy products, whole grains, and a variety of vegetables.
What can I drink to lower uric acid?
Drinking plenty of water is the best way to help lower uric acid levels. Additionally, you can drink moderate amounts of black coffee, green tea, and lemon water, which may help reduce uric acid levels.
Is curd good for uric acid?
Yes, curd (or low-fat yoghurt) is good for managing uric acid levels because low-fat dairy is associated with a protective effect against hyperuricemia [6]. It is low in purines and generally beneficial for reducing uric acid levels.
What is the normal uric acid by age?
Normal uric acid levels generally range from 3.5-7.0 mg/dL for males and 2.5-6.0 mg/dL for females, regardless of age.
What level of uric acid is too high?
Uric acid levels above 7.0 mg/dL in males and above 6.0 mg/dL in females are typically considered high (hyperuricemia).
Is 7.0 uric acid high?
Yes, a uric acid level of $7.0\\text{ mg/dL}$ is considered high for both males and females.
Is 5.4 uric acid normal?
Yes, a uric acid level falls within the normal range for both males and females.
Is egg good for uric acid?
Yes, eggs are low in purines and are considered good for managing uric acid levels, making them a safe protein source.
How to flush out uric acid crystals?
To help flush out uric acid crystals, drink plenty of water, strictly reduce intake of high-purine foods, maintain a healthy diet low in refined sugar, and take allopurinol or other uric acid-lowering medications as prescribed by a healthcare provider.
Disclaimer
The content provided within this article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment of gout or hyperuricemia. Always seek the advice of a qualified healthcare provider or a registered dietitian with any questions you may have regarding your condition or before making significant dietary changes.
References
[1] Cross, M., Liane Ong, K., Culbreth, G. T., Steinmetz, J. D., Cousin, E., Lenox, H., Kopec, J. A., Haile, L. M., Brooks, P. M., Kopansky-Giles, D. R., Dreinhoefer, K. E., Betteridge, N., Abbasian, M., Abbasifard, M., Abedi, A., Melka Biratu Aboye, Aravkin, A. Y., Artaman, A., Banach, M., & Bensenor, I. M. (2024). Global, regional, and national burden of gout, 1990–2020, and projections to 2050: a systematic analysis of the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021. The Lancet Rheumatology, 6(8). https://doi.org/10.1016/s2665-9913(24)00117-6
[2] Gao, X., Curhan, G., Forman, J. P., Ascherio, A., & Choi, H. K. (2008). Vitamin C Intake and Serum Uric Acid Concentration in Men. The Journal of Rheumatology, 35(9), 1853–1858. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2853937
[3] Collins, M. W., Saag, K. G., & Singh, J. A. (2019). Is there a role for cherries in the management of gout? Therapeutic Advances in Musculoskeletal Disease, 11. https://doi.org/10.1177/1759720X19847018
[4] Maiti, S., Nazmeen, A., Medda, N., Patra, R., & Ghosh, T. K. (2019). Flavonoids green tea against oxidant stress and inflammation with related human diseases. Clinical Nutrition Experimental, 24, 1–14. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.yclnex.2018.12.004
[5] Kandeel, S., & Elkaliny, H. (2020). The possible protective effect of apple cider vinegar on mercuric chloride-induced changes on rat hepatocytes: immunohistochemical and ultrastructure study. Journal of Microscopy and Ultrastructure, 8(3), 126–134. https://doi.org/10.4103/jmau.jmau_63_19
[6] Gout and diet: Foods to eat and avoid. (n.d.). Medical News Today. Retrieved October 29, 2025, from https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/315732
[7] Park, K. Y., Kim, H. J., Ahn, H. S., Kim, S. H., Park, E. J., Yim, S.-Y., & Jun, J.-B. (2016). Effects of coffee consumption on serum uric acid: systematic review and meta-analysis. Seminars in Arthritis and Rheumatism, 45(5), 580–586. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.semarthrit.2016.01.003
[8] Rho, Y. H., Zhu, Y., & Choi, H. K. (2011). The epidemiology of uric acid and fructose. Seminars in Nephrology, 31(5), 410–419. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.semnephrol.2011.08.004
[9] Neogi, T., Chen, C., Niu, J., Chaisson, C., Hunter, D. J., & Zhang, Y. (2014). Alcohol Quantity and Type on Risk of Recurrent Gout Attacks: An Internet-based Case-crossover Study. The American Journal of Medicine, 127(4), 311–318. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.amjmed.2013.12.019
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