Uric Acid – Avoid These 7 Foods – Step To Health
If there is too much uric acid in the bloodstream, you are at risk of gout or arthritis. The accumulation of this acid around the joints causes inflammation and pain, especially around the knees and ankles.
Some foods contain large amounts of compounds called purines that increase the level of uric acid in the bloodstream.
In order for uric acid to stay in your body at a sufficiently low level, you must have regular blood tests to help you respond effectively, for example by making changes to your diet.
Uric acid – what products increase its level?
1. Crustaceans
Shellfish contain a lot of purines, so you need to limit your intake if your uric acid levels are high. Try to eat crabs, prawns and clams as little as possible.
This recommendation applies to both fresh and canned products. Even processed crustaceans can increase the level of uric acid.
2. Red meat
Red meat is the most common cause of high levels of uric acid in the blood.
Both pork and beef contain high levels of purines. So try to avoid minced meat as well as liver and offal.
3. Legumes
Lentils, chickpeas and the popular beans are known to have a high concentration of purines. Therefore, people with high uric acid levels should limit their intake to no more than one or two times a week.
4. Some vegetables
If you have uric acid problems, you should eat in moderation. At the same time, avoid vegetables such as asparagus, mushrooms, cauliflower, spinach, radishes, and leeks.
5. Alcohol
For people with high levels of uric acid, beer can be even more harmful than shellfish or red meat.
This is because beer increases the production of this acid in the body and makes it more difficult to eliminate. All patients suffering from gout are recommended to give up beer and other alcoholic beverages.
6. Desserts and sweetened drinks
The same applies to industrial baked goods, cookies, cakes and the like, as they contain a very high amount of sugar, which worsens the health of a person with high levels of uric acid.
7. Coffee
Drinking too much coffee can be harmful to your health as well as stimulate uric acid production. So it’s best to limit your consumption to one or two cups a day.
High uric acid – symptoms
When uric acid reaches too high levels in the body, gout and kidney problems can develop. The most common symptoms are:
- Pain in the big toe
- Strong pain and inflammation of the joints
- Problems urinating
- Increased pulse
- Knee pain
- Kidney stones
- Tiredness
- Lumps around the joints
If you notice any of the above symptoms, be sure to see your doctor so that he can prescribe the appropriate medications and advise you on how to make changes to your diet.
How to lower uric acid levels in the body?
Your doctor may also prescribe non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs that provide relief fairly quickly. The dose of the drug may be increased over time, if needed.
The entire treatment process usually takes about 12 months, and during this period it is absolutely necessary to stick to the dietary recommendations and take the prescribed medications.
It is also worth taking care of regular physical activity, not only during the treatment itself, but also after its completion.
An exemplary diet for lowering uric acid levels in the body
The diet suggested below consists mainly of dairy and eggs. You can also eat rabbit meat as it contains a small amount of purines. For it to be effective, it must be implemented over a long period of time.
First breakfast
- 1 cup of skim milk
- 2 slices of whole grain bread
Second breakfast
- 1 banana
Dinner
- Gnocchi with tomato sauce
- Grilled corvina (white fish)
- Pudding
Tea
- 1 slice of watermelon
Supper
- Eggplant with Parmesan cheese
- Tomato, carrot and basil salad
You can create any combination of ingredients as long as you take care of the right amount of protein, carbohydrates, vegetables and fruits. Also, remember to limit the amount of fat in your diet.
These are just general recommendations for people looking to lower their blood uric acid levels. Each organism is different and in the case of this disease, you should always consult a doctor so that he can adapt the diet and treatment to your individual needs.
