5 Proven Ways to Reduce Uric Acid Levels Naturally

The food that we consume every day contains certain amounts of purines.

Some may contain low to moderate amounts, while some have high amounts of purines.

When these purines are consumed and converted or metabolized in our body, they become uric acid and serve as a natural oxidant that helps and protects us from cell damage caused by free radicals or unstable molecules.

While uric acid serves as our natural antioxidant, an unmanageable rise of uric acid can lead to serious health conditions such as gout, a form of arthritis.

To prevent this, we will explore five proven ways to reduce uric acid levels naturally.

Disclaimer: The information in this article is for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional for any health concerns or before making any changes to your diet or treatment plan.

How to Reduce Uric Acid Levels Naturally

1. Limit High-Purine Foods

One of the greatest contributors to increasing uric acid levels is foods rich in purines.

Purines are natural compounds found in all foods, and they may be low, moderate, or high.

When these foods are consumed and metabolized (broken down), they become uric acid and serve as a natural antioxidant.

However, the uncontrolled consumption of foods high in purines can raise our uric acid levels. It may lead to chronic health issues, such as gout (a form of arthritis), kidney stones, or cardiovascular diseases.

To manage our uric acid within a normal range, we need to reduce the intake of foods rich in purines, such as red meat, organ meats, and seafood (seashell and oily fish).

2. Stay Well-Hydrated

Another natural way to reduce our uric acid levels within a normal range is to drink plenty of water or stay well-hydrated.

According to the Cleveland Clinic, drinking at least 8 glasses of water a day can help flush uric acid from the body and lower uric acid levels.

Additionally, the Arthritis Foundation suggests that increasing water intake up to 16 glasses per day may help reduce flare-ups.

Hence, drinking plenty of water will help us stay well-hydrated and flush out excess uric acid through urination. Moreover, it supports our kidneys in removing uric acid from our bodies.

3. Eat a Balanced, Gout-Friendly Diet

Eating a balanced, gout-friendly diet is another excellent way to reduce uric acid levels.

Our bodies produce purines naturally, and eating a gout-friendly diet may help us lessen the intake of purines from external sources, lower our uric acid levels, and lessen our risk of gout attacks.

A gout-friendly diet may include, but is not limited to, fresh fruits and vegetables, low-fat and non-dairy foods (yogurt and skim milk), nuts, and grains.

Other sources may show that leafy green vegetables, such as spinach and asparagus, are high-purine vegetables.

However, studies have shown that these high-purine vegetables do not increase the risk of high uric acid levels and gout attacks compared to animal-derived purines. Hence, they are safe to consume and part of a healthy, balanced diet that our bodies need.

4. Maintain a Healthy Weight

Obesity is one of the major causes of high uric acid levels due to insulin resistance, which can increase the risk of gout attacks.

As per the Arthritis Foundation, managing weight and regular exercise have a positive effect on reducing uric acid levels and the risk of gout attacks.

Thus, losing weight or maintaining a healthy weight may help lower the risk of high uric acid and gout attacks.

5. Limit Alcohol and Sugary Foods

Alcoholic drinks such as beer and wine, and sugary foods may contribute to increasing our uric acid levels above the normal range.

Per the Mayo Clinic, if we want to reduce our uric acid levels to the normal range and manage gout, we need to limit and avoid sugary drinks and alcohol consumption.

Sugary foods may include, but are not limited to, cereals, salad dressing, and canned soups. Consumption of sugary foods or high-fructose corn syrup may increase our risk of developing high uric acid levels and gout attacks.

Alcohol based drinks such as beer and wine may also contribute to elevating uric acid levels and increase the risk of developing gout attacks.

Therefore, limiting or avoiding alcohol and sugary foods may help us improve our uric acid levels and reduce our risk of developing serious diseases associated with high uric acid levels, such as arthritis and kidney stones.

Final Thought

Uric acid plays a vital role in our system because it serves as our natural antioxidant that may help us neutralize unstable molecules and protect us from cell damage.

However, when uric acid levels become high and unmanageable, our bodies are at risk of developing chronic diseases related to high uric acid levels, such as gout flare (a type of arthritis), kidney stones, and heart disease.

These 5 natural ways to reduce uric acid levels naturally may help you improve your overall health.

If you’re experiencing symptoms of high uric acid, such as joint pain or swelling, consult your healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and treatment.