Foods Containing Protein for Uric Acid

Uric acid is produced when the body breaks down a chemical byproduct of proteins called "purine." When too much uric acid accumulates in the bloodstream, it may cause a condition called "hyperuricemia," which can lead to gout, kidney stones or kidney failure. A diet low in proteins and purines is the most effective way to cure high uric acid disease.

Red meat contributes to high uric acid in the bloodstream.

Contributing Factors to High Uric Acid

Many oral prescription drugs may contribute to excessive amounts of uric acid in the body.

If you regularly use prescription drugs to control your blood pressure, are on low-dose aspirin therapy or take diuretics, you may be at an increased risk for developing high uric acid in your bloodstream. Excessive alcohol and caffeine consumption may also put you at greater risk for developing high uric acid, as can a family history of gout or high uric acid, Hodgkin's or non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, hypothyroidism, leukemia, obesity, psoriasis or immune suppressant therapy. A diet rich in purines is one of the leading causes of high uric acid in the bloodstream.

Types of Foods that Contribute to High Uric Acid

Foods that are high in uric acid include red meat, dark green vegetables, alcohol, anchovies, asparagus, sardines, mussels, processed meats, fried foods, roasted nuts, rich foods, foods fried in oil, cakes, sugar and white flour products, dried fruits, fish, caffeine, eggs, lentils, beans, yeast products, peas, poultry and oatmeal.

Oral Medications that Contribute to High Uric Acid

Certain medications also contribute to high uric acid. These include acetaminophen, aspirin, some blood pressure medication and medications that contain caffeine.

Symptoms of High Uric Acid

When high levels of uric acid are produced in the bloodstream from protein-rich foods, your kidneys lose the ability to process and eliminate the excess purine. Uric acid builds up inside the connective tissue around your joints, causing pain when the chemicals crystalize into tiny needles under the skin, in the joints and in the urinary tract. The condition often leads to acute infection and gout.

Diet for those Affected by High Uric Acid

Fruits can help to balance alkaline PH levels in the blood.

Maintaining the proper balance of alkalinity and acidity in the diet is especially important when you are treating conditions caused by high uric acid. Ideally, your diet should include 70 percent alkaline and 30 percent acid content in every meal. Because your body will eliminate more uric acid when it reaches an alkaline PH state, and because it will cease to eliminate uric acid when it is in an acid PH state, you should strive for the 70/30 alkaline/acid ratio with every meal to balance your uric acid levels.

Balance acid-forming foods with high-alkaline-forming foods such as lemons, watermelon, cantaloupe, cayenne, garlic, gooseberry, grapes, grapefruit, guavas, herbs, leafy green lettuce, nectarine, peaches, pears, non-sweet peas, sweet pumpkin, persimmon, spinach, sea salt, apples, beans, beets, bamboo shoots, bell pepper, broccoli, cabbage, carob, ginger, grapes, kale, kohlrabi, parsnip, potatoes, strawberries, raspberries, squash, Tamari, sweet corn, sour dairy and turnips. All of these foods contain an alkaline PH of between 8 and 9.
Moderate alkaline foods include artichokes, almonds, barley malt, brown rice syrup, Brussels sprouts, cherries, coconuts, cucumbers, egg plant, leeks, honey, onions, miso, okra, olives, pickles, tomatoes, vinegar, spices, goat's milk and whey, horseradish,homemade mayonnaise, millet, olive oil, rhubarb, sesame seeds, sprouted grains, tempeh and tofu.

References

• High Uric Acid Level--Mayo Clinic
• Gout Causing Foods
• Avoiding Uric Acid Production