Higher level of uric acid in the blood can sometimes cause gout. Kidney stones and kidney failure are just some of the complications triggered by this health condition.
Uric acid
Uric acid is a compound obtained by the breakdown of purine, a substance contained in certain foods like sardines, liver, internal organs, etc. Bear in mind that dairy products and some vegetables also contain purine. The kidneys filter large amounts of uric acid and it is later removed from the body through the urination.
Small quantities of uric acid are excreted through the feces. Though, when the body produces too much uric acid and the kidneys fail to eliminate it, the acid tends to accumulate in the joints, tendons, kidneys and other organs.
Increased level of uric acid is one of the root causes of gout. However, not every person with increased level of uric acid struggles with gout. Some individuals have high blood pressure, heart diseases, or chronic kidney disease.
What causes high levels of uric acid?
High levels of uric acid in blood may be caused by many factors, including hereditary obesity, excessive alcohol consumption, diuretics, immunosuppressants, chemotherapy or radiotherapy.
Health problems such as hypothyroidism, psoriasis and impaired kidney function may also lead to excess uric acid in the blood.
Here are some simple tips on how to lower uric acid levels in the body naturally...
Water
Drink between 2 and 3 liters of water every day. Drink small quantities regularly throughout the day. Water helps the kidneys to process and flush uric acid out of the body.
Baking Soda
Consume a baking soda solution to help dissolve uric acid crystals and to increase uric acid solubility. Add 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda to 8 oz of water. Mix thoroughly, and drink maximum 8 glasses daily. One before bedtime, one when you get up in the morning, and one every 2 to 4 hours between meals. Repeat until the symptoms have gone.
[Reminder: Since baking soda is high in sodium, change to a salt-free diet whilst taking this remedy. And, if you suffer from high blood pressure, although you can take it as long as you monitor your blood pressure closely, it's better not to use this remedy at all.]
Cherries
Cherries contain anthocyanins which have anti-inflamatory properties, ideal for gout attacks. But research study has also shown that they can lower uric acid serum levels. Which is why cherries are such a powerful weapon against gout.
In terms of how much to take, estimates vary between 10 and 40 per day to help prevent attacks. And, during a gout attack, one source has suggested 30 to 40 every 4 hours.
If cherries are out-of-season then concentrated cherry juice is just as effective.
Diet
Go for a low purine diet. Since uric acid comes from the degration of purines, and, purines also exist in our foods, a gout sufferer needs to go onto a diet that is relatively low in purines in order to lessen uric acid levels. This also means avoiding high purine foods completely.
The general sorts of food to avoid are offal, fatty red meats, poultry and some seafood. And, it's important to avoid alcohol. Beer, in particular, is a trigger for gout.
The sorts of foods that make up a low purine diet are stuffs like; essential fatty acids, low fat dairy products, complex carbohydrates, fruits such as blueberries, cherries, grapes, strawberries, etc.
These are just a few of the most effective natural ways to reduce uric acid levels. Try them if you've got gout and see for yourself how they will work for you.
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