11 natural ways to lower uric acid
11 natural ways to lower uric acid Health ConditionsHealth ConditionsAlzheimer's & DementiaAnxietyArthritisAsthma & AllergiesBreast CancerCancerCardiovascular HealthCOVID-19Dermatology & SkincareDiabetesEnvironment & SustainabilityExercise & FitnessEye HealthHeadache & MigraineHealth EquityHIV & AIDSHuman BiologyInflammatory Bowel DiseaseLeukemiaLGBTQIA+Men's HealthMental HealthMultiple Sclerosis (MS)NutritionParkinson's DiseasePsoriasisSexual HealthWomen's HealthDiscoverNewsLatest NewsOriginal SeriesMedical MythsHonest NutritionThrough My EyesNew Normal HealthPodcastsHow to understand chronic painWhat is behind vaccine hesitancy?The amazing story of hepatitis C, from discovery to cureNew directions in dementia researchCan psychedelics rewire a depressed, anxious brain?Why climate change matters for human healthToolsGeneral HealthDrugs A-ZHealth HubsHealth ToolsBMI Calculators and ChartsBlood Pressure Chart: Ranges and GuideBreast Cancer: Self-Examination GuideSleep CalculatorHealth ProductsAffordable Therapy OptionsBlood Pressure MonitorsDiabetic SuppliesFitness TrackersHome GymsGreen Cleaning ProductsHow to Shop for CBDQuizzesRA Myths vs FactsType 2 Diabetes: Managing Blood SugarAnkylosing Spondylitis Pain: Fact or FictionConnectAbout Medical News TodayWho We AreOur Editorial ProcessContent IntegrityConscious LanguageNewslettersSign UpFollow UsMedical News TodayHealth ConditionsDiscoverToolsConnectSubscribe How to lower uric acid levels naturallyMedically reviewed by Dominique Fontaine, BSN, RN, HNB-BC, HWNC-BC — By Jenna Fletcher on June 29, 2022Gout is a type of arthritis that develops when blood uric acid levels are atypically high. The uric acid forms crystals in the joints, often in the feet and big toes, which causes severe and painful swelling. Some people need medication to treat gout, but diet and lifestyle changes may also help. Lowering uric acid can reduce the risk of the condition and may even prevent flares. However, the risk of gout depends on several factors, not just lifestyle. Risk factors include having obesity, being male, and having certain health conditions. This article reviews natural ways to help lower uric acid levels. 1 Limit purine-rich foods Share on PinterestAdriana Duduleanu/EyeEm/Getty ImagesPurines are compounds that occur naturally in some foods. As the body breaks down purines, it produces uric acid. The process of metabolizing purine-rich foods causes the production of too much uric acid, which may lead to gout. Some otherwise nutritious foods contain a high amount of purines, which means a person may wish to reduce their intake instead of eliminating them all. Foods with high purine content include:wild game, such as deer (venison)trout, tuna, haddock, sardines, anchovies, mussels, and herringexcess alcohol, including beer and liquorhigh fat foods, such as bacon, dairy products, and red meat, including vealorgan meats, such as liver and sweetbreadssugary foods and beverages Foods with moderate purine content include:deli meatsmost other meat, including ham and beefpoultryoyster, shrimp, crab, and lobster Learn more about a diet for gout. 2 Eat more low purine foods While some foods have a high purine level, others have a lower level. A person may include them in their diet to help lower their uric acid levels. Some foods with low purine content include:low fat and fat-free dairy productspeanut butter and most nutsmost fruits and vegetablescoffeewhole-grain rice, bread, and potatoes While dietary changes alone will not eliminate gout, they may help prevent flare-ups. It is also important to note that not everyone who gets gout eats a high purine diet. Learn about foods to eat and avoid on a low purine diet. 3 Avoid medications that raise uric acid levels Certain medications may elevate uric acid levels. These include:diuretic drugs, such as furosemide (Lasix) and hydrochlorothiazidedrugs that suppress the immune system, especially before or after an organ transplantlow dose aspirin Drugs that raise uric acid levels may offer essential health benefits, but people should speak with a doctor before stopping or changing any medications. 4 Maintain a healthy body weight Maintaining a moderate body weight may help reduce the risk of gout flares, as obesity increases the risk of gout. Experts recommend that people focus on making long-term, sustainable changes to manage their weight, such as becoming more active, eating a balanced diet, and choosing nutrient-dense foods. Maintaining a moderate weight can help lower blood uric acid levels and improve overall health. Read about how to eat a balanced diet. 5 Avoid alcohol and sugary drinks Consuming a lot of alcohol and sugary drinks — such as sodas and sweetened juices — correlates with an increased risk of developing gout. Alcohol and sweetened drinks also add unnecessary calories to the diet, potentially causing weight gain and metabolic issues, leading to increased uric acid levels. Learn more about the health effects of alcohol. 6 Drink coffee Research from 2015 indicates that people who drink coffee are less likely to develop gout. A 2016 meta-analysis looked at 11 studies. The authors concluded that there might be a link between drinking coffee and having a lower risk of gout. However, there was insufficient evidence of a strong association. 7 Try a vitamin C supplement In a 2021 review, researchers noted that many previous studies show a positive correlation between vitamin C intake and blood uric acid levels. However, while they noted this effect, they also stated that no study had found conclusive evidence that vitamin C can prevent or reduce gout attacks. Learn more about vitamin C. 8 Eat cherries Researchers have studied cherries and their effects on gout for several years. According to a 2019 study, scientists noted several properties of this fruit that may help reduce inflammation. However, they also noted that additional studies into the effects of cherries on gout are necessary. Learn more about the benefits of cherry juice for gout here. 9 Try supplements Certain supplements may help with lowering blood uric acid levels. Some potentially beneficial supplements include:vitamin Comega-3 fatty acidfolic acidturmeric capsules Before adding supplements to their diet, a person should consult a doctor. They can make sure supplements will not interfere with their current medications. 10 Balance insulin People with gout have an increased risk of diabetes. According to the Arthritis Foundation, females with gout are 71% more likely to have type 2 diabetes than people without gout, while males are 22% more likely. Diabetes and gout have common risk factors, such as being overweight and having high cholesterol. A study from 2015 showed that starting insulin treatment for people living with diabetes increased blood uric acid levels. A doctor will consider a person’s uric acid levels before prescribing insulin. 11 Add fiber A high fiber diet may help reduce blood uric acid levels. Individuals can find fiber in various foods, including whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. Learn more about dietary fiber. Summary Gout is a painful medical condition that often occurs alongside other serious conditions. While a healthy lifestyle may lower the risk of subsequent flares, it may not be enough to treat the disease. Even people with balanced diets still get the condition, and not everyone who eats high purine diets develops gout symptoms. Medication can help reduce pain and may prevent the risk of future gout flares. People can speak with a doctor about their symptoms and ask for advice on which lifestyle changes might benefit them. Read this article in Spanish. Last medically reviewed on June 29, 2022GoutAlcohol / Addiction / Illegal DrugsNutrition / DietObesity / Weight Loss / Fitness 13 sourcescollapsedMedical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and draws only from peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We avoid using tertiary references. We link primary sources — including studies, scientific references, and statistics — within each article and also list them in the resources section at the bottom of our articles. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.Brzezińska, O., et al. (2021). Role of vitamin c in prophylaxis and treatment of gout - A literature review.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7926958/Collins, M. W., et al. (2019). Is there a role for cherries in the management of gout?https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6535740/Comorbid conditions and gout. (n.d.).https://www.arthritis.org/health-wellness/about-arthritis/related-conditions/other-diseases/five-conditions-linked-with-goutGout. (2020).https://www.cdc.gov/arthritis/basics/gout.htmlGout. (2021).https://www.rheumatology.org/I-Am-A/Patient-Caregiver/Diseases-Conditions/GoutGout and supplements: What you need to know. (n.d.).https://www.arthritis.org/health-wellness/treatment/complementary-therapies/supplements-and-vitamins/gout-and-supplements-what-you-need-to-knowHow fat affects gout. (n.d.).https://www.arthritis.org/health-wellness/about-arthritis/related-conditions/other-diseases/how-fat-affects-goutKoguchi, T., et al. (2019). Beneficial effect of dietary fiber on hyperuricemia in rats and humans: A review [Abstract].https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30789803/MacFarlane, L. A., et al. (2015). The effect of initiating pharmacologic insulin on serum uric acid levels in patients with diabetes: A matched cohort analysis.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4390413/Richette, P., et al. (2016). 2016 Updated EULAR evidence-based recommendations for the management of gout.https://ard.bmj.com/content/76/1/29?utm_source=trendmd&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=alljjs&utm_content=americas&utm_term=1-BRoubenoff, R. (n.d.). Which foods are safe for gout?https://www.arthritis.org/living-with-arthritis/tools-resources/expert-q-a/gout-questions/food-for-gout.phpTowiwat, P., et al. (2015). The association of vitamin C, alcohol, coffee, tea, milk and yogurt with uric acid and gout.https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/1756-185X.12622Zhang, Y., et al. (2016). Is coffee consumption associated with a lower risk of hyperuricaemia or gout? A systematic review and meta-analysis.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4947733/FEEDBACK:Medically reviewed by Dominique Fontaine, BSN, RN, HNB-BC, HWNC-BC — By Jenna Fletcher on June 29, 2022 Latest newsWhat sets 'SuperAgers' apart? Their unusually large neuronsOmega-3 may provide a brain boost for people in midlifeSeasonal affective disorder (SAD): How to beat it this fall and winterCDC: Monkeypox in the US 'unlikely to be eliminated in the near future'Why are more women prone to Alzheimer's? New clues arise Related Coverage10 home remedies for goutMedically reviewed by Debra Rose Wilson, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHT People can often manage gout with medication and home remedies. Learn about the best home and natural treatments here.READ MOREWhat to know about gout and eating chocolateMedically reviewed by Adrienne Seitz, MS, RD, LDN Research indicates that chocolate may have some health benefits. Read about whether chocolate is helpful or harmful for people with gout.READ MOREWhat to know about the impact of beer on goutMedically reviewed by Jillian Kubala, MS, RD Beer contains a large amount of purines, which are compounds that increase the risk of flare-ups. Learn more about the impact of beer and alcohol on…READ MORE