With our hectic schedules and convenient food choices, having high levels of uric acid is one problem that many people face. Most of the uric acid formed in the body dissolves in the blood and is excreted through the kidneys. If your body if producing too much uric acid or is not able to remove enough of it, it may lead to a painful joint disease called gout.
High levels of uric acid in your body can cause several other problems, including kidney stones and even kidney failure in severe cases. The amount of uric acid in your body can be detected through a simple blood test and no matter how healthy you feel you are, it’s important to have regular check-ups.
Here are some of the simplest ways to control high levels of uric acid.
1. Cut out fizzy drinks
Uric acid forms when the body breaks down chemicals called purines. Sugary, fizzy drinks can increase levels of uric acid in the blood, so avoid grabbing a can when you’re thirsty. Cutting out sweet fizzy drinks can also help you keep an eye on your waistline, as being overweight is another risk factor for gout.
2. Try to go meat-free
Foods such as beef, lamb, game, offal including liver and kidneys, and some seafoods such as mackerel, mussels, anchovies, sardines, crab and herring are all high in purines. Aim for a diet where only 15 per cent of your daily calories come from animal protein to help reduce your risk. You should also avoid products that contain a meat or yeast extract.
3. Ditch protein-rich diets
It’s important to maintain a healthy weight to prevent an attack of gout, but crash diets are not the answer. The common low-carb and high-protein diet is rich in purines, so it can increase your risk.
4. Avoid too much alcohol
Certain types of alcohol, such as beer and stout, can raise uric acid levels in the blood, so cut these out if you suffer from gout. Spirits are linked to a much lower risk of developing gout, and wine – if you stick to the recommended daily amount – is not linked to an increased risk.
5. Lose some weight
The rise in gout has been linked to our widening waistlines. Around 600,000 Brits have already been diagnosed, and the incidence is increasing by around 4 per cent a year, every year. As we get fatter, experts predict these numbers will rise even further.
As well as following a healthy diet, try some simple exercises to help whittle your waistline, like swimming, speed-walking, and doing a light, low-impact cardio workout.
6. Up your water intake
Staying well hydrated can help prevent crystals of uric acid forming in your joints. Make sure you’re drinking around 1.2 litres of fluid – including plenty of water – every day, and remember to drink more if you’re exercising or if it’s hot.
7. Use apple cider vinegar
Mix one teaspoon of organic apple cider vinegar with a glass of water and drink this every day. Apple cider vinegar acts like a natural cleanser and detoxifier. It contains malic acid which helps in breaking down and removing uric acid from the body. Apples also contain malic acid, and you should aim to eat at least one a day.
8. Try lime juice
Many experts advise drinking lime water at least twice a day to flush out the excess uric acid in your body. Lime contains citric acid, which helps in dissolving the uric acid. You should also eat foods rich in Vitamin C, like lemons and oranges.
9. Eat antioxidant rich fruits and vegetables
A recent study suggests that you should load up on more antioxidant rich berries like cherries, blueberries and strawberries if you’re struggling with high levels of uric acid. Dark coloured berries contain flavonoids, which help in reducing inflammation and stiffness. Alkaline foods like tomatoes and bell peppers also help in balancing the acid levels in your body.
10. Stock up on celery seeds
Celery seeds are rich in omega-6 fatty acids and other diuretic oils. As a powerful diuretic, they help in cleaning the system of excess liquids by stimulating the kidneys to flush out the uric acid. They also alkalize your blood and lowers inflammation in the body. You can take half teaspoon of dried celery seeds once a day, but remember to have plenty of water with them, as they have a very high fibre content.

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