What Is Uric Acid?

Uric acid is a compound that is naturally produced by the body, but can also be found in certain foods.

Too much uric acid in the blood can cause gout, a painful inflammatory condition that affects millions of people worldwide.

Uric acid is created when the body breaks down purines, chemical compounds that are found in many foods and drinks.

Purines are naturally present in the body as well, and can be produced when the cells in your body are damaged or used up.

Your kidneys are responsible for filtering out excess uric acid from the body but sometimes they may not be able to keep up with the demand.

Uric acid is normally flushed out of the body through urine but when levels become too high, it can build up in the joints and tissues.

Uric acid crystals can form causing inflammation and painful swelling. The pain can be horrendous.

Gout is most commonly found in the big toe, but can also affect other parts of the body, including the hands, wrists, knees, ankles, and elbows.

Foods High In Uric Acid

Foods high in purines include red meat, organ meats such as liver or kidneys, and seafood like scallops and herring.

Other foods that can contribute to high levels of uric acid include alcohol, caffeine, and sugary drinks.

Vegetables high in purines include asparagus, cauliflower, and spinach. However, there is no medical evidence that vegetables high in purines will cause a gout flare.

These are gout foods to avoid if you want to prevent or manage your condition.

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How To Lower Uric Acid

There are certain lifestyle factors that can help keep uric acid levels in check, such as staying well hydrated, avoiding foods high in purines and maintaining a healthy weight.

Natural gout remedies such as herbs, supplements and certain foods are also known to help relieve symptoms of gout.

If you are looking for natural gout remedies, there are plenty of options to try.

Some include apple cider vinegar, lemon juice and omega 3 fatty acids.

Clinically proven foods include tart cherries, celery seed extract and ginger.

Cherries especially have been shown to help reduce uric acid levels and relieve pain.

Be sure to buy the montmorency variety as they are a richer source of antioxidants known as anthocyanins which help reduce inflammation.

Controlling Uric Acid

Although we advocate natural gout treatments, we have to mention that there are gout medications such as Allopurinol and colchicine that you can get from your doctor.

Uric acid blood tests and imaging scans can be used to help diagnose and manage gout.

Uric acid tester strips, which can be purchased at most pharmacies and drug stores, are a simple and easy way to monitor your levels.

If you have gout or suspect that you may have high uric acid levels, be sure to speak with your doctor about treatment options. With the right diet and lifestyle modifications, it is possible to manage and prevent gout for good.

Uric Acid Normal Range

Uric acid normal range is 3.4-7.0 mg/dL for women and 4.4-8.6 mg/dL for men, but some people may have higher levels due to various factors, including diet and lifestyle choices.

Elevated uric acid range is between 7.1-10.0 mg/dL for women and 8.6-12.0 mg/dL for men, though even higher levels can occur due to genetic predisposition or other medical conditions.

High uric acid levels can cause damage to your kidneys, so be sure to speak with your doctor if you are experiencing symptoms of gout.

Conclusion

So if you have a Gout Diet plan in mind or are just looking for foods high in uric acid to avoid, there are many options available.

With a few simple dietary and lifestyle changes, you can manage your condition and prevent gout flare-ups for good.

At the end of the day, treating gout is about finding what works best for you. The key is to listen to your body, eat a balanced and healthy diet, stay active, and drink plenty of water.

And most importantly, never give up! There is always hope on the horizon. With the right tools and support system in place, you can finally start feeling good again.