When people come to know that they have uric acid, the first thing that most of them do is stop consuming proteins, which, in simple words, means avoiding foods like dal (Lentils). But many times, the causes of uric acid go beyond the protein intake. In this blog, we will tell you about the causes of uric acid that most people ignore and how home remedies and simple changes in your lifestyle can help control it. But before jumping into these, let us first understand what is uric acid.
Uric acid and its causes
Uric acid is a chemical that is produced when our body breaks down purines. Our body dissolves it in the blood, passes it through the kidneys and excretes through urine. Its production and excretion are done without any problem for most people. However, the problem arises when too much uric acid stays in the body because of more purine formation, which leads to conditions such as GOUT. Though there can be many reasons behind high levels of Uric acid, some of the most prominent ones are mentioned below.
1. High consumption of purine-rich foods
Consuming animal meat and fish in excess amounts can increase the formation of purines in your body, which leads to uric acid, as we have mentioned above. And here, by excess, we mean consuming animal protein three times a day. Similarly, eating foods, such as legumes or dal in excess, builds purines in your body. However, consuming dal/legumes in moderation, like once a day or meal, will not cause uric acid problems. Also, peas and mushrooms have high purine content, so eat them in moderation.
2. Excessive intake of fruits
People who fast often and consume fruits in large quantities during fasting produce large amounts of fructose. This fructose undergoes several metabolic processes and ultimately gets converted to purines. So, excess consumption of fruits leads to an increase of uric acid in our bloodstream. Moreover, autoimmune disorders and overdose of vitamin D3 lead to uric acid problems in various individuals.
3. Too much consumption of alcohol and diuretic tablets
High uric acid levels are often found in people who drink too much alcohol. This is because alcohol contains purines, which, when broken down, get converted into uric acid. Moreover, people who take too many diuretic tablets are often at more risk of developing high uric acid levels. Diuretic tablets, when taken in excess, interfere with kidney functions and do not flush out the uric acid from your body.
4. Overexercising and eating unhealthy food
Many people might not know, but doing strenuous exercises twice or thrice a day increases uric acid in the body. This happens because overexercising deteriorates muscle functioning, which leads to the problem of uric acid. Also, individuals who often eat processed food or foods with high sodium intent face uric acid problems. Moreover, conditions such as diabetes and hypothyroidism, which affect kidney and liver functioning, also contribute to elevated levels of uric acid in the body.
What are some home remedies for uric acid?
Understanding the causes of uric acid will help you know how to work on it. This will help you take proactive measures to reduce the risk of developing other conditions due to it, such as GOUT, kidney stones and many others. According to the best dietitian in India, Lavleen Kaur, some home remedies that can help you treat uric acid are:
1. Take apple cider vinegar
One of the most common and recommended home treatments of uric acid is the intake of apple cider vinegar. To use apple cider vinegar to treat uric acid, add 5ml of apple cider vinegar in one glass of warm water and consume it thirty minutes before the meal. However, how often you should take it (like twice or thrice a day) depends upon the severity of your uric acid levels.
2. Lemon Juice is good for uric acid
Many people think that lemon juice leads to muscle and bone loss because of its sourness, but this is not so. Lemon becomes alkaline once we consume it and, therefore, helps reduce the uric acid levels in the body. The citric acid in the lemon aids in flushing out the uric acid and prevents its buildup in joints, which leads to GOUT.
3. Don’t consume fruits in excess
As we have mentioned in the previous section, a high amount of fruits in a diet leads to the formation of purines in the body. So, avoid taking a diet that is high in fructose and consume as much as your body can easily digest. However, to get fibre from foods, consider consuming those that are low in purines, such as bajra, nuts and seeds.
4. Incorporate seeds into your diet
Celery seeds are known for treating uric acid, and in India, they are referred to as “Ajwain”. But “Ajwain” is not used for treating uric acid. The celery seeds found abroad are used for uric acid problems. Moreover, strawberries and cherries that are commonly found abroad are recommended for treating uric acid. So, if you live abroad, you can consider adding them to your diet.
5. Take natural diuretics
Though excessive consumption of diuretic tablets negatively affects kidney function, natural diuretic drinks such as barley and coriander water drink can help maintain uric acid levels. To make the natural diuretic- barley water at home, soak 50g of barley in 1 litre of water. After this, reduce it to half (500 ml), and consume this drink in a cup two or three times a day.
5. Have kadi Patta in the morning
Kadi patta (Curry leaves) is also a great remedy for uric acid. You can take 4-5 kadi patta on an empty stomach in the morning for uric acid. But also check your cholesterol levels, as curry leaves can affect them. Also, boiling green papaya in green tea can help you with uric acid. An online diet plan from a professional dietitian/nutritionist can help you know more about those natural remedies that help treat high uric acid levels. So, don’t hesitate to book a consultation with a renowned nutritionist.
Final words
So, don’t fear pulses and protein when you find out that you have uric acid, as many reasons can contribute to it, from a sedentary lifestyle and stress to improper kidney functioning and everything in between. Ensure you exercise daily but not strenuous and take a proper diet to prevent yourself from all medical issues, not only uric acid.
