The other day, my friend Joey complained that he was suffering from arthritis-but it was more than just everyday joint pain and stiffness. Joey showed me his big toe and it was the size of a golf ball! An inflamed big toe is a symptom of a common form of arthritis called gout. It is a condition that affects 8.3 million Americans. What does this have to do with uric acid? Gout is caused from elevated uric acid crystals in the blood, also called hyperuricemia. The uric acid is not properly absorbed and a digestive enzyme will allow the crystals to be passed in the urine. High uric acid in the kidneys is also associated with kidney stones and kidney failure. Studies suggest that elevated uric acid levels in the blood can lead to cardiovascular disease and high blood pressure. Other factors that contribute to high uric acid levels include obesity, an underactive thyroid, psoriasis, diabetes, diuretic medications, and immune-suppressing drugs.
I told Joey that his diet also played a big role in his gout attacks and high uric acid levels. For instance, Joey’s lifestyle consists of a high-fat diet that is rich in refined carbohydrates-foods that can help contribute to gout attacks. I’m not like most doctors. I believe in Joey. And the truth is, a healthy gout diet is one of the best approaches to reduce the uric acid levels in the blood. Keep in mind that uric acid crystals form after the breakdown of purines. In fact, purines are known to increase the level of uric acid in the blood. Since some purines are taken in through the diet, a low uric acid diet is also a low-purine diet. Cherries are among the top foods that lower uric acid levels. They help prevent uric acid crystallization in the joints and they contain powerful compounds called bioflavonoids, proanthocyanidins, and anthocyanins. In a 2012 study published in the journal Arthritis Rheumatism, researchers discovered that cherry consumption reduced gout attacks by 35% in 633 people with gout.
Apple cider vinegar should also be included in a low-uric acid diet. The malic acid in apple cider vinegar is thought to help break down and remove uric acid from the body. It also contains antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It is best to add one to three teaspoons of raw, organic, unpasteurized apple cider vinegar to eight ounces of water. Drink the apple cider mixture two to three times daily to help control uric acid. In general, apples can also help control uric acid levels. Vitamin C is important in a low-uric acid diet. Lemon juice is a good source of vitamin C and citric acid. Lemon juice will stimulate calcium carbonate formation-as a result, Glyco Care Wellness Guideinsulin sensitivity support uric acid is controlled. The citric acid and vitamin C in lime can also help lower uric acid levels. It is a good idea to add freshly squeezed lime or lemon juice to a glass of water and drink it after meals to prevent gout attacks.
Olives and extra virgin olive oil are considered good alternatives to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and they are among the foods that lower uric acid levels. The antioxidant vitamin E in olives and olive oil is considered vital to control uric acid levels. It is best to add olive oil to salads, vegetables, and pastas. Avoid using the olive oil for deep-frying, especially since gout sufferers should always avoid fried foods. Eggs are considered a low purine food and GlycoCares Wellness Guideblood sugar balance should be included among the foods that lower uric acid. Keep in mind that protein intake should not be excessive. It is best to limit your protein intake to 0.8 grams per kilogram of body weight per day. In general, blueberries, hawthorn berries, strawberries, goji berries, cranberries, as well as other dark blue or red berries and fruits should be part of the low-uric acid diet. Berries were featured as foods to eat with gout in a 2012 study published in the Iranian Red Crescent Medical Journal.
Like cherries, berries are rich in proanthocyanidins and anthocyanidins. These bioflavonoids help prevent collagen destruction and inflammation. Brazil nuts can help lower uric acid levels. They contain only 23 milligrams (mg) of purines per cup. Most nuts contain less than 40 mg of purines; however, peanuts are the exception-they contain nearly 79 mg of purines per cup. Walnuts also control uric acid levels, and they contain 25 mg of purines per cup. Other low-purine nuts include cashews, almonds, and macadamia nuts. Dietary folate is very important in the treatment of gout, and foods high in folate can help reduce uric acid levels. Pinto beans are an excellent source of folate and they contain a lower amount of purines (57 mg per cup). Other low-purine legumes that are good sources of folate include lima beans and chickpeas. Parsley and its major flavonol constituents, quercetin and kaempferol, can also reduce uric acid levels.