Uric acid
Uric acid is a natural chemical found in blood, that the body makes when the body consumes certain foods, Such as meat and shellfish, fruit sugars, beer, and alcohol. In normal amounts, uric acid is very healthy for the body and works as an antioxidant, helping to protect the cells against free radical damage. However many people have high uric acid levels in the body which is called hyperuricemia.
Symptoms of High Uric Acid:
- Gout - a type of arthritis where uric acid crystals form inside the joints, causing severe pain, especially in the big toe.
- High uric acid can also lead to high blood pressure because it lowers nitric oxide levels in the blood and weakens the walls of arteries.
- Patients may also develop uric acid kidney stones or kidney disease as a result of high uric acid
The Top 10 Foods to control Uric Acid Levels:
1. Celery (Luteolin):
When it comes to lowering uric acid in the body, celery is undoubtedly one of the best foods that someone can eat. It blocks an enzyme called xanthine oxidase, which produces uric acid in the body from purines that eat from foods like meat and seafood. Celery also contains other phytonutrients and they are using to reduce inflammation in the joints to prevent gout attacks.
2. Apple Cider Vinegar (Acetic Acid):
Start drinking 1 tablespoon of raw unfiltered apple cider vinegar, mixed in a glass of water before the meals. This liquid contains malic acid. Malic acid is use to break down and eliminate uric acid and also improves digestion. This is one of the best foods to help control blood sugars and reduce the risk of developing kidney stones.
3. Lemon & Lime (Vitamin C):
Most people who have gout, or high uric acid levels, have urine that is a little too acidic. In order to help kidneys to filter out uric acid, start to consume foods that alkalize the urine such as lemons and limes. These fruits are very low in sugar. They also contain potassium citrate which raises the Ph of the kidneys. They also help to break down uric acid.
4. Garlic (Inulin):
New research shows that certain microbes in the Lactobacillus and Pseudomonas families help to break down and eliminate uric acid in the intestines. These are friendly microbes in our body and give benefits to the body. However, People who have high uric acid in the body have less amount of these friendly bacteria in the digestive system. Garlic is one of the best foods that someone can eat to repair and restore the microbiome. It's rich in prebiotics that feeds these friendly microbes. It also contains allicin and other compounds that destroy harmful microbes in order to restore the balance in the gut, so that body excretes more uric acid.
5. Cassia Cinnamon (Cinnamaldehyde):
Start consuming cinnamon powder in stir-fries, drinks, and cooking to help lower inflammation in the joints, and also reduce uric acid. Cinnamon gets from the bark of Cinnamomum trees. Studies show that it contains Cinnamaldehyde which helps to naturally inhibit xanthine oxidase, The enzyme that produces uric acid in the body. Cinnamon is also excellent for lowering the level of high blood pressure. It also helps out in lowering the high blood sugar level because it normalizes the insulin hormone in the body.
6 .Virgin Cod Liver Oil (DHA and EPA):
If the patient has gout or uric acid crystals in his joints, then the doctor may recommend that cut back on certain types of seafood that are high in purines, like sardines, shellfish, and also organ meats. However, virgin cod liver oil is one of the healthiest liquids to use with high uric acid, as it helps to lower inflammation throughout the body And reduce gout flare-ups and attacks. The DHA and EPA (Omega 3-s) found in Virgin Cod Liver Oil, help to heal any damage in the gut or kidneys that could be contributing to high uric acid. It's recommend to take 1 teaspoon of Icelandic, Virgin, and Cod Liver oil on a daily basis to not only lower uric acid but also reduce stiffness in joints.
7. Tart Cherry Juice (Quercetin):
Most fruit juices are extremely high in fructose which is link to higher uric acid levels. For this reason, stop drinking these juices because they are extremely unhealthy. Also, they do not contain fiber. However tart cherry juice contains an extremely low amount of fructose. It contains some powerful healing phytonutrients like chlorogenic acid and quercetin etc. All of these inhibit the xanthine oxidase and they reduce the uric acid level in the body.
8.Mineral Water (with Electrolytes):
It's also very important to hydrate the body by drinking at least 2 liters of mineral water each day if someone suffers from high uric acid, or gout. Drinking at least this amount helps to flush the kidneys, in order to clear out the uric acid and other byproducts that are made by the metabolism. Drinking too much water can deplete mineral reserves. It's recommended to add a scoop of high-quality electrolyte powder to water which contains alkaline minerals like potassium citrate, magnesium citrate, and calcium lactate. These minerals help to alkalize the urine in order to help the kidneys eliminate uric acid.
9.Sauerkraut (Probiotics):
People with high uric acid tend to have an altered microbiome and usually have a higher risk of developing inflammatory bowel disease. For this reason, it's important to start loading up on probiotic and prebiotic-rich foods to boost the friendly microbes that live in the gut. Sauerkraut, kimchi, pickles, and other fermented vegetables help to colonize the large intestine with friendly microbes. These then produce short-chain fatty acids which reduce inflammation, lower uric acid levels, and help to prevent getting a painful, swollen, big toe (gout).
10. Black & Green Tea (Gallic Acid):
Both black and green tea comes from the camellia Sinensis plant, and both contain gallic acid which can help to reduce uric acid in the body. However, it's important not to consume more than 2-3 cups of tea per day, as it does contain a high amount of caffeine which can deplete the B1 and affect the blood sugars. Also drink nettle tea, hibiscus, and lemon balm tea to help lower inflammation in joints, balance the stress hormones, and help to normalize blood pressure.