Foods That Lower Uric Acid
Uric acid is a byproduct of protein metabolism. For most people, it simply passes from the body unnoticed, but for gout sufferers, uric acid causes intense pain and swelling in the joints. Fortunately, there are a number of ways to reduce uric acid in the blood, helping to reduce or alleviate this painful condition.
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Fluids
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Water helps flush your system of toxins, including uric acid. Herbal and green teas are good choices, too. And good news for coffee lovers: Your favorite beverage--if decaffeinated--does not raise uric acid levels.
Cherries
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Cherries, whether fresh, frozen or dried, seem to reduce uric acid levels in the blood. Subjects in a University of California at Davis study showed reduced levels of common inflammatory blood markers after consuming cherries.
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Low-Fat Dairy
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Studies at the Mount Sinai School of Medicine showed that a diet high in nonfat or low-fat dairy products reduces serum uric levels. Reductions were seen in both sexes and across a wide age span.
Potassium-Rich Foods
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Foods high in potassium should be a part of any healthy diet and are helpful for lowering uric acid levels in the blood. Bananas, apricots, melons and all meats and fish contain potassium.
Folic Acid
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A diet rich in folic acid may reduce uric acid levels. Folic acid is added to many breakfast cereals and occurs naturally in sunflower seeds, pinto beans, chick peas and lentils.
Foods To Avoid
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Certain foods raise uric acid levels quickly and drastically. Avoid alcohol and fatty red meats, yeast products and all fried foods. To lower uric acid levels, follow a sensible diet based on whole grains, vegetables and lean meats.
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