Effective Home Remedies to Control Uric Acid Levels

When the body breaks down purines, it produces uric acid, and excessive levels can lead to health problems like gout. Purines are natural substances in certain foods and beverages, like red meat and seafood.  

Normally, uric acid is dissolved in the blood, processed by the kidneys, and then expelled through urine. However, if there is an overproduction of uric acid or the kidneys do not eliminate enough of it, it can lead to health problems like gout or kidney stones. 

The normal range of uric acid is 2.5-7.0 mg/dL for males and 1.5-6.0 mg/dL for females. A high uric acid level in the blood is referred to as hyperuricemia.

Many home remedies are rooted in cultural and traditional practices passed down through generations. These remedies can be tailored to individual preferences and tolerances.

Home remedies offer several benefits, making them popular for various health concerns. The benefits are:

1. Minimal Side Effects: Natural remedies typically have fewer side effects than pharmaceutical ones. Many people prefer home remedies because they perceive them as gentler on the body, reducing the risk of adverse reactions.
2. Natural Healing Properties: Plants, herbs, and certain foods used in home remedies often contain natural compounds with healing properties. These compounds may have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, or antimicrobial effects contributing to the body's natural healing processes.
3. Prevention and Holistic Health: Home remedies often focus on prevention rather than symptom management. They may encourage holistic health practices, including dietary changes, exercise, and lifestyle adjustments, to address the root causes of health issues.
4. Ease of Access: Most home remedies involve ingredients that are easily accessible at local grocery stores or are already present in the household. This accessibility makes it convenient for individuals to try these remedies without needing specialised medications.
5. Cost-Effective: Home remedies often use readily available, natural ingredients that are cost-effective compared to pharmaceutical alternatives. This accessibility makes them attractive, especially for individuals on a budget.

While home remedies can be beneficial, approach them with caution and awareness. Not all remedies are supported by scientific evidence. 

Some conditions may require professional medical attention. Consulting with a physician ensures a balanced and informed approach to health and wellness.

Managing elevated uric acid levels is crucial for maintaining good health. If you are wondering how to control uric acid by home remedies, here is a list of effective strategies to consider:

Dietary Changes

Some foods include high amounts of purine, which can increase uric acid production when digested. Therefore, it is important to avoid purine-rich food. Instead, you should opt for foods with lower purine content, including: 

1. Fruits and vegetables
2. Nuts and peanut butter 
3. Fat-free and low-fat dairy products
4. Bread
5. Rice
6. Pasta 

Stay Hydrated

According to an article by Rashika El Ridi and Hatem Tallima in 2017, 70% of uric acid in the human body is filtered out via kidneys. Drinking enough water throughout the day helps your kidneys function smoothly and flush out uric acid more quickly. 

So, make sure to drink plenty of water. You can even set hourly alarms to take refreshing sips throughout the day. 

Limit Your Sugar Intake 

To maintain balanced uric acid levels, monitoring your sugar consumption is crucial. Refined sugars, which are absorbed quickly, can cause a rapid increase in both blood sugar and uric acid levels. For a healthier lifestyle, it is recommended to either eliminate or significantly reduce the intake of fructose, corn syrup, refined sugars, and table sugar. 

You can reduce your sugar consumption with the following steps: 

1. Incorporate more whole foods into your diet. 
2. Reduce your intake of processed, packaged items. 
3. Check food labels for any added sugars
4. Satisfy your cravings with fresh fruits instead of sugary snacks. 
5. For beverages, opt for water, unsweetened drinks, or coffee without adding sugar.

Boosting Fibre Intake

Fibre can aid in lowering uric acid levels. It helps regulate blood sugar and insulin and promotes a lasting feeling of fullness. Adults are advised to target fibre (22–34 grams) from high-fibre foods for optimal health, gradually incorporating more to prevent digestive discomfort.

Consuming Coffee

Drinking coffee may lower uric acid levels in two key ways. First, it competes with the enzyme that breaks down purines, reducing uric acid production. Second, it enhances the body's elimination of uric acid. 

According to Yi Zhang, drinking coffee might reduce the chance of developing gout.

Drink Lemon Water

Next on the list of home remedies for uric acid is lemon water. It aids in controlling uric acid levels due to its alkalising effect on the body. The citric acid in lemon juice helps neutralise uric acid, promoting excretion. 

Additionally, lemons are high in vitamin C content. It can lower uric acid levels by strengthening the kidneys’ ability to filter and remove it from the bloodstream. Regularly consuming lemon water, especially on an empty stomach, can be an effective and natural way to manage uric acid levels.

Consume Apple Cider Vinegar 

Apple cider vinegar helps reduce uric acid levels primarily through its alkalising effect on the body. As a natural cleanser, apple cider vinegar promotes the removal of waste products, including uric acid. 

Mix a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar in one glass of water. Drink it once or twice daily.

Add Ginger to Your Diet 

Ginger effectively reduces uric acid levels due to its potent anti-inflammatory properties. It helps alleviate inflammation and pain associated with high uric acid, such as in conditions like gout. 

Consuming ginger in forms like ginger tea or adding it to meals can aid in managing uric acid levels. Its therapeutic properties target uric acid and provide overall health benefits, particularly joint health and pain relief.

Eat Cherries 

According to a study by Pei-En Chen et al. in 2019, consuming cherries and cherry juice can effectively reduce uric acid levels in individuals with gout. Cherries are rich in anthocyanins, an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent responsible for their red hue. Additionally, they are excellent sources of fibre and vitamin C.

Thus, eating cherries or sipping unsweetened cherry juice is an effective home remedy for high uric acid in your body. 

Avoid Alcohol 

While you are looking at how to reduce uric acid with home remedies, it is important not to overlook the impact of your alcohol consumption habits. Consuming alcohol can lead to dehydration, further elevating uric acid levels. 

Different alcoholic drinks vary in purine content, with beer being particularly high. Yet, even alcohols with lower purine levels can stimulate purine production in the body.

Alcohol accelerates the metabolism of nucleotides, which are additional purine sources that can be converted into uric acid. Furthermore, it impacts the rate at which uric acid is expelled from the body, resulting in higher uric acid concentrations in the blood.

You can also find ayurvedic remedies for high uric acid that are beneficial. Yoga is one such practice that helps improve circulation and detoxification. They enhance joint flexibility, minimise inflammation, and foster overall health. The following are some particularly effective yoga poses:

Pavanamuktasana (Wind-Relieving Pose):

This pose helps detoxify the digestive system. It efficiently eliminates excess uric acid and other toxins from the body. The pose includes the following steps: 

1. Lie flat on the back, keeping your legs together and arms at your sides.
2. Inhale, then exhale while drawing your right knee to your chest, pressing it against your abdomen with your hands. 
3. Inhale again, and on the exhale, raise your head and chest to touch your chin to your right knee.
4. Maintain this position for a few deep breaths.
5. As you exhale, gently return to the starting position and relax. 
6. Repeat the same steps with your left leg and then with both legs together.

Bhujangasana (Cobra Pose):

It enhances the function of the kidneys and promotes better circulation. This aids in the reduction of uric acid levels. Follow the steps given below: 

1. Start by lying on your stomach, toes flat, soles up, and forehead resting on the ground.
2. Position your hands under your shoulders, palms down, and elbows close to your body. 
3. Inhale deeply and lift your head, chest, and abdomen, keeping your navel on the floor. 
4. Use your hands to support your torso as you arch your back, evenly distributing pressure on both palms. 
5. Breathe as you deepen the curve, straightening your arms and tilting your head back if possible. 
6. Hold this pose for 4-5 breaths. 
7. Exhale and gently lower your body back to the floor to relax. 
8. Repeat this process 4-5 times.

Ardha Matsyendrasana (Half Spinal Twist Pose):

It massages the abdominal organs, aiding digestion and managing uric acid levels. Here’s how you can perform this pose: 

1. Sit with your legs extended, feet together, and spine straight. 
2. Bend your left leg and place the left foot beside the right hip. 
3. Cross your right leg over the left knee. 
4. Put your left hand on the right knee and your right hand behind you. 
5. Twist the waist, shoulders, and neck to your right, looking over your right shoulder, keeping the spine straight. 
6. Maintain this pose with steady, deep breaths.
7. As you exhale, gradually release your right hand, waist, chest, and neck, returning to a straight, relaxed sitting position. 
8. Repeat on the opposite side. 

When to See a Doctor? 

Home remedies for uric acid are usually the initial approach for managing this condition. They can be effective in maintaining balanced uric acid levels. However, it is crucial to recognise when professional medical intervention is needed. 

You should see a doctor for high uric acid levels in the following situations: 

1. Lack of improvement with home remedies 
2. Swelling or a feeling of warmth 
3. Discolouration or redness
4. Difficulty urinating 
5. Pain during or after urinating

Home remedies for uric acid, like hydration and dietary modifications, offer a natural and accessible method to maintaining healthy levels. While they can be effective, monitoring their impact and seeking medical advice if symptoms persist or worsen is important. 

A balanced approach combining home remedies with professional guidance ensures the best outcome for controlling uric acid levels.

HexaHealth is dedicated to assisting you by providing comprehensive healthcare solutions tailored to your needs. With a focus on accessibility and quality care, we offer various services, from expert medical consultations to advanced treatment options. Contact us TODAY!

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