Written By: Shraddha Rupavate | Published : June 23, 2014 4:35 PM IST
The blood uric acid level is increased in a condition called gout, a form of arthritis. In this condition, uric acid crystals are formed to get deposited in the joints, causing inflammation and pain. Like several other diseases, gout is also a result of unhealthy lifestyle and dietary habits. But you can take control of your condition and reduce your uric acid levels with these simple tips.
1. Reduce the intake of purine-rich foods: Uric acid is formed by breakdown of chemicals called purines. Although they are naturally produced by the body, purines are also obtained from certain foods you eat. These are protein-rich foods like chicken, fatty fish and mushrooms. To regulate uric acid in the body, you need to limit the consumption of protein rich foods.
2. Drink water: Regulation of uric acid level requires it to be properly excreted out of the body. That's why you need to increase your fluid consumption. When your body is well-hydrated, uric acid crystals cannot be formed easily. As per recommendations, people suffering from gout should consume at least 8-16 glasses of water every day.
3. Eat fibre-rich foods: Fibrous foods like green leafy vegetables, broccoli, cabbage and whole grains are shown to effectively absorb uric acid in the bloodstream. By absorbing uric acid, fibre allows its easy elimination through the kidneys.
4. Limit alcohol intake: Alcohol is found to interfere with the elimination of uric acid from the body. Doctors recommend that people with gout should reduce their alcohol intake to once in 3 weeks. Avoiding it completely would be the best thing to do.
5. Eat complex carbohydrates: Complex carbs (cereals, pasta, whole grains) are good for people with gout because they take more time to get digested. They promote feeling of fullness and prevent weight gain, a major risk factor for developing gout.
6. Eat fruits: Eating fruits rich in vitamin C is one of the easiest ways to prevent gout attack and control uric acid level. Cherries, blueberries, blackberries, grapes and pineapples are some fruits you should have regularly. They are full of flavonoids that increase the excretion of uric acid from the body.
7. Avoid sugary drinks: Sugary drinks are the main culprit for increased uric acid levels. They not only raise uric acid in the blood due to processing in the liver but also directly interfere with its excretion. A study mentioned that daily intake of 300-millilitre serving of sugar-sweetened drink increased the chance of gout by 13 percent.
References:
Gout Remedy Tips By V.T.
500 Health Tips By Hazel Courteney, Gareth Zeal
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