What is Uric Acid ?
Uric acid is formed from the metabolism of
nucleic acid. Uric acid in the blood depends on the balance between
dietary intake and synthesis by the cells and excretion by the kidney.
If the concentration of uric acid in the
blood rises above the normal levels, sodium urate crystals may form in
tendons, ligaments and cartilage of the joints which lead to Gout. These
needle like crystal cause inflammation, swelling and pain in the
affected joints. High uric acid levels will also lead to urinary stones
or kidney disease.
Note : Many diseases like High Blood
Pressure, Obesity, Diabetes, Coronary Heart Disease and Hypothyroidism
can lead to Hyperuricaemia (High level of Uric Acids in the blood)
Nutritional supplements and herbs
which are beneficial for those with High Uric Acid :
1. Vitamin C with bioflavonoid -
Helps lower serum uric acid levels.
2. Vitamin B Complex - Needed for
proper digestion and all bodily enzyme systems.
3. Essential Fatty Acid like Fish Oil or
Evening Primrose Oil - Needed to repair tissues, aid in healing and
restore proper fatty acid balance.
4. Alfalfa - A good source of
minerals and other nutrients that help to reduce serum uric acid levels.
5. Devil's Claw - Helps clear uric
acid accumulated at joints and reduce elevated uric acid in the blood.
6. Cat's Claw - Reduces inflammation
and aid in removing toxin from the body.
Dietary and lifestyle recommendations
for people with High Uric Acid
1. Reduce weight gradually - If you
are overweight, lose weight gradually. Losing weight lower serum uric
acid levels; but avoid very restricted weight loss diets (crash diet) as
rapid weight loss can precipitate the attack of GOUT.
2. Maintain a diet low in purines -
Purines are organic compounds that contribute to uric acid formation.
Purine rich foods include anchovies, asparagus, herring, meat gravies
and broth, mushroom, mussels, sardines and sweet breads.
3. Consume plenty of water - Fluid
intake promotes the excretion of uric acid. Drink at least 6-8 glasses
of water per day.
4. Avoid eating meat of any kind -
Meat, seafood and organ meats contain extremely high uric acid.
5. Avoid alcohol - Alcohol increases
the production of uric acid and must be eliminated from the diet.
6. Limit amount of fried foods - Fat
and oil turn rancid at high temperature such as in frying. Rancid fats
quickly destroy vitamin E, resulting in the release of increased amount
of uric acid.
7. Limit your intake of caffeine
Foods which contain Uric Acid
125 - 700 mg per 3 oz
anchovies, brains, kidneys, liver, meat
extract, sardines, sweet bread
40 - 125 mg per 3 oz
dry beans, fish, lentils, meats, dry peas,
poultry, seafood, spinach