Uric acid is produced when your body breaks down chemicals called purines. It is meant to be a waste product that dissolves in your bloodstream, flows through your kidneys and leaves your body through urination.
However, if the uric acid in your blood isn't filtered out efficiently and reaches a high level, it can cause crystals to form. If these crystals settle in your joints, it could lead to gout which is a type of arthritis.
Your uric acid level can be measured with a blood test. For women, it should be under 6 milligrams per deciliter of blood. For males, it should be under 7 milligrams. Here are some of the best ways to bring down uric acid level naturally.
Eat foods with less purines
Purines are chemicals that are naturally produced by your body and are also found in certain foods including meat, seafood, mushrooms and spinach. Consume fibre-rich foods such as nuts, eggs and cherries as they contribute greatly at lowering uric acid levels in the body.
Get more vitamin C
The intake of vitamin C through foods can prove to be extremely effective against high uric acid levels. Include foods such as oranges, guava, kiwi and Indian gooseberries in your diet.
Limit alcohol and sugary drinks
The heavy consumption both of alcohol and of sugary drinks correlates with an increased risk of developing gout. Sodas and sweetened drinks also add unnecessary calories to the diet, potentially causing weight gain and metabolic issues.
Maintain a healthy body weight
Reaching a healthy body weight may help reduce the risk of gout flares. Obesity increases the risk of gout, especially in people of a younger age. People should 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.