Are High Uric Acid Levels Making You Sick? Discover Natural Ways to Lower Uric Acid Without Drugs
High uric acid levels (hyperuricemia) can have a debilitating effect on your health, but the good news is that there are several natural ways to lower uric acid levels without taking drugs. Knowing the causes and treatments of high uric acid levels can help you work towards a healthier, more balanced life.
What is Uric Acid?
Uric acid is a waste product that is produced by the body when it breaks down purine, which is found in certain foods. Uric acid is usually eliminated from the body through urine, however, in some cases, the uric acid levels can become too high.
What Causes High Uric Acid Levels?
There are a number of things that can lead to high uric acid levels, such as excessive alcohol intake, excess intake of certain foods like red meat and organ meats, high-fructose foods, such as sodas and fruit juice, and certain medications.
Symptoms of High Uric Acid
High uric acid level symptoms can vary somewhat, however, some of the most common include painful and/or swollen joints, frequent gout attacks, and kidney stones.
Drugs to Lower Uric Acid Levels
The traditional way to lower uric acid levels is to take medication. These medications work by inhibiting the liver's ability to create uric acid or by blocking the kidneys' ability to reabsorb uric acid. While these medications can be effective, they are not without their side effects.
Natural Ways to Lower Uric Acid Levels
The good news is that there are several natural ways to lower uric acid levels without taking drugs.
- Drink Plenty of Water: Proper hydration helps flush and remove excess uric acid from your system.
- Cut Out Excess Alcohol: Excess alcohol increases the amount of uric acid in the body. Cut down your intake, or stop drinking altogether.
- Eat a Healthy Diet: Eating foods that are low in purine and high in Vitamin C, such as citrus fruits and leafy greens can help lower uric acid levels.
- Take Supplements: Certain supplements like ginger and turmeric can help fight inflammation and reduce uric acid levels.
- Get Moving: Exercise can help reduce inflammation caused by gout, as well as help flush excess uric acid from the body.
Conclusion
High levels of uric acid can be detrimental to your health, but fortunately, there are several natural ways to lower uric acid levels without taking drugs. From proper hydration to getting regular exercise, there are a variety of ways to keep your uric acid levels in check.