Reduce Uric Acid Naturally. . .

Uric acid is a byproduct of the chemical breakdown of compounds called 'purines' that exist in our body's cells and in our food. Purines are very important to us because they provide things like our energy that we all need and our protein. During this process uric acid is produced in the bloodstream.

And uric acid is good for us because it acts as an antioxidant and helps look after the internal linings of our blood vessels. It's our kidneys' job to process the uric acid produced and excrete waste out of our bodies via our urine, with a little via our stools.

If the diet is high in foods containing purine, or the kidneys are unable to eliminate excessive uric acid, high uric acid levels, known as hyperuricemia or gout, occur.

Although the kidneys usually maintain uric acid at healthy levels, there are times when they are unable to do this, with the result that excess uric acid is retained in, and circulates in, the blood.

Two of the main causes for high uric acid levels in blood are:

(1) The kidneys aren't working to their full potential so that they are unable to process and expel sufficient uric acid quickly enough, or...

(2) There is too much uric acid being produced by the metabolizing purines for healthy kidneys to process.

Whatever is the case, the result is high uric acid in the blood.

Hydration (water)

Keep your body hydrated. Although the body easily adapts to low water intake, optimum hydration is necessary to eliminate uric acid from your system. Water dilutes uric acid levels in the blood, and stimulates the kidneys to pass on waste products to the bladder. Recommendations vary, but a good rule of thumb is to divide your body weight by two, to determine the number of ounces appropriate for daily intake.

Adjust Your Diet

To gain control of uric acid levels, avoid eating foods high in purine, the chemical responsible for forming uric acid in the system. Red meat, seafood, organ meats and some beans are all high in purines. Refined carbohydrates and vegetables such as asparagus, peas, mushrooms and cauliflower, should also be avoided. A diet low in purine content is the best choice for gout sufferers or those prone to gout in order to keep serum uric acid levels at a minimum. A diet centered on fat-free or low-fat dairy products such as cottage cheese, yogurt, eggs and soy products should be followed to neutralize uric acid.

Avoid Fructose

Limit your soda consumption. In an article on the Arthritis Today website, researchers found men who drank more than six servings of high fructose soft drinks each week, increased the occurrence of gout. Although diet soda is not implicated, fruit juices and other sugary drinks are.

Reduce Inflammation

To reduce uric acid concentration, the University of Maryland Medical Center advises adding cherries, blueberries and strawberries to your diet. Bromelain, found in pineapple, is a digestive enzyme with anti-inflammatory properties that inhibits the proteins responsible for inflammation. Celery, a natural diuretic, helps alkalize your blood and decrease inflammation. Try a thimble full of seeds each day or take it in supplement form.

Limit Alcohol Intake

Because alcohol dehydrates the body, it is advisable to limit consumption, particularly when consumed with foods high in purine. Although consumption of wine doesn't seem to affect uric acid levels, the high yeast content of beer makes it particularly suspect. Beer drinkers are advised to limit intake or eliminate it from the diet altogether.

Body Weight

When combined with a diet high in purines, extra body weight is related to high uric acid levels, but rapid weight loss is also a factor. If you are overweight, it is best to avoid crash dieting. Develop a gradual weight-loss program to prevent an increase in uric acid levels.