How to Lower Uric Acid Levels Naturally?

Uric acid is a natural waste product of the body's digestive system that contains purines. Purines are certain compounds found in higher levels in some foods. They are broken down in the body, and the kidneys filter out the uric acid. If a person consumes food with a high purine content or if the body is unable to eliminate toxins as quickly as necessary, uric acid may begin to accumulate in the body. The normal amount of uric acid present in the body is under 6.8 mg/dL. An elevated level of uric acid, higher than the standard range (known as hyperuricemia), can lead to a condition known as gout.

When gout develops in the body, it can result in increased acid content in the urine and blood, as well as the formation of crystals in the feet, toes, and joints. However, the risk of gout is not solely dependent on diet or lifestyle. There are several risk factors that can contribute to hyperuricemia, including:

• Obesity
• Male gender
• Certain underlying health conditions

However, there are various methods when it comes to how to control uric acid levels, which we will discuss in this article. 

How to Reduce Uric Acid levels?

Although high levels of uric acid do not always warrant treatment, making minor changes to diet and lifestyle may be helpful for some people. Here are some possible ways:

1. Weight management: Obesity has been determined as one of the most prominent contributing factors to elevated uric acid levels in the blood, as it may hinder the efficient functioning of the kidneys. Excess weight can lead to difficulties in filtering out uric acid while also increasing its production. It is recommended to make long-term, sustainable changes to manage weight, which, in turn, can help lower blood uric acid levels and improve overall health. This can be achieved by becoming physically active, adopting a balanced diet, and incorporating nutrient-dense foods into one's diet.

2. Drinking more water: Drinking plenty of fluids, especially water, helps keep the kidneys healthy and functioning efficiently; thus, it aids in proper uric acid filtration. Additionally, it also reduces the chances of developing kidney stones due to the crystallization of excessive uric acid.

3. Limiting/avoiding purine-rich food: Certain types of foods may contain high levels of purine. Even some nutritious foods can have high purine concentrations, so it may not be possible to completely avoid purine, but its intake can be limited. High consumption of meat and seafood has been shown to increase uric acid levels.

Conclusion 

Gout is a painful, inflammatory condition that primarily affects the joints, especially in the feet and toes, due to a high concentration of uric acid. This condition may be caused by various factors and can be effectively managed by making healthy lifestyle changes. However, it's important to receive proper treatment for gout to control uric acid levels and prevent future flare-ups. Any significant lifestyle changes should be discussed with a doctor.