High uric acid level (Hyperuricemia) is a condition in which there is too much uric acid in the blood. Uric acid is a waste product that is formed when the body breaks down purines, which are compounds found in many foods and in the body’s own tissues. Normally, uric acid is filtered out of the blood by the kidneys and excreted in the urine, but in cases of hyperuricemia, there is either too much uric acid being produced, or the kidneys are not filtering it out efficiently enough.
High uric acid level can lead to the formation of uric acid crystals, which can accumulate in the joints, causing a painful condition known as gout. It can also increase the risk of developing kidney stones and can contribute to the development of kidney disease. In some cases, High uric acid level may be a sign of an underlying medical condition such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or metabolic syndrome.
Diet plays an important role in managing High uric acid level and preventing its complications. By following some dietary guidelines, you can help lower your uric acid levels and reduce the chances of gout attacks and kidney stones.
What to eat?
Some foods that are beneficial for people with High uric acid level are:
Dairy products: These are considered low-purine foods, so they are recommended in a diet for hyperuricemia. They also provide calcium, protein, and probiotics that can support bone health and digestion. Choose low-fat or fat-free dairy products such as milk, yogurt, cheese, and cottage cheese.
Vegetables: Most vegetables are low in purines and high in antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and fiber that can help lower inflammation and improve overall health. You can eat a variety of vegetables such as leafy greens, broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, cucumbers, tomatoes, peppers, mushrooms, and squash. However, avoid some high-purine vegetables such as asparagus, spinach, mushrooms, and cauliflower.
Fruits: Fruits are also low in purines and high in antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and fiber that can help lower inflammation and improve overall health. You can eat a variety of fruits such as apples, bananas, oranges, grapes, berries, cherries, melons, and pineapples. However, avoid fruits that are high in fructose or have added sugar such as dried fruits, fruit juices, and canned fruits.
Whole grains: These are complex carbohydrates that provide energy and fiber that can help regulate blood sugar levels and lower cholesterol levels. You can eat whole grains such as oatmeal, brown rice, quinoa, barley, buckwheat, and whole wheat bread. However, avoid refined grains such as white rice, white bread, pasta, and pastries.
Lean meats and poultry: These are moderate-purine foods that provide protein and iron that are essential for muscle and blood health. You can eat lean meats and poultry such as chicken breast, turkey breast, lean beef cuts (such as sirloin or round), pork loin chops (without fat), or fish (such as salmon or trout). However, limit your intake to no more than 150 grams per day.
Nuts and seeds: These are low-purine foods that provide healthy fats, protein, and fiber that can help lower cholesterol levels and improve heart health. You can eat nuts and seeds such as almonds, walnuts, pistachios, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, and flax seeds. However, limit your intake to no more than 50 grams per day.
What not to eat?
Some foods that are harmful for people with High uric acid level are:
Alcohol: Alcohol increases the production of uric acid and reduces the excretion of uric acid by the kidneys. This can lead to a buildup of uric acid in the blood and trigger gout attacks. Alcohol also dehydrates the body and increases the risk of kidney stones. Avoid alcohol completely during gout attacks, and limit alcohol consumption to no more than 1 drink per day for women and 2 drinks per day for men between attacks.
Organ meats: These are high-purine foods that contribute to high blood levels of uric acid. Avoid meats such as liver, kidney, sweetbreads, brains, and heart.
Red meat: This is also a high-purine food that contributes to high blood levels of uric acid. Limit your intake of red meat such as beef, lamb, pork, and bacon to no more than 100 grams per week.
Seafood: Some types of seafood are high in purines and can trigger gout attacks. Avoid seafood such as anchovies, sardines, mussels, scallops, herring, trout, tuna, and lobster. You can eat moderate amounts of low-purine seafood such as shrimp, crab, oysters, and salmon.
Sugary drinks and foods: These are high in fructose or added sugar, which can increase the production of uric acid and worsen hyperuricemia. Avoid drinks and foods such as soda, fruit juice, sports drinks, energy drinks, honey, maple syrup, candy, cakes, cookies, and ice cream.
Processed foods: These are high in sodium, additives, and preservatives, which can increase blood pressure and fluid retention and impair kidney function. Avoid foods such as chips, crackers, canned soups, frozen meals, deli meats, hot dogs, sausages, and cheese.
Foods high in fat: These can increase inflammation and cholesterol levels and interfere with the excretion of uric acid by the kidneys. Avoid foods such as butter, margarine, lard, cream, sour cream, mayonnaise, salad dressing, fried foods, fast foods, and fatty cuts of meat.
Tips for a healthy diet for High uric acid level:
Drink plenty of water: Water helps flush out uric acid from the blood and prevents dehydration and kidney stones. Aim for at least 8 to 10 glasses of water per day. You can also drink herbal teas or lemon water to enhance hydration and alkalize the body.
Eat smaller and more frequent meals: This can help regulate blood sugar levels and prevent overeating and weight gain. Aim for 4 to 6 small meals per day instead of 3 large ones. Include a balance of carbohydrates, protein, and fat in each meal.
Limit salt intake: Salt can increase blood pressure and fluid retention and worsen hyperuricemia. Aim for no more than 2300 mg of sodium per day. Use herbs, spices, vinegar, lemon juice, or garlic to flavor your food instead of salt. Read food labels and avoid foods that are high in sodium.
Maintain a healthy weight: Being overweight or obese can increase the production of uric acid and put extra stress on the kidneys. Losing weight can help lower uric acid levels and reduce the risk of gout attacks and kidney stones. However, do not lose weight too quickly or too drastically, as this can cause a sudden rise in uric acid levels and trigger gout attacks. Aim for a gradual and sustainable weight loss of no more than 1 kg per week. Consult your doctor for a personalized weight loss plan.
High uric acid level (Hyperuricemia) is a condition that requires careful dietary management to prevent complications such as gout and kidney stones. By following the above guidelines, you can help lower your uric acid levels and improve your overall health and well-being.
Dr. Karuturi Subrahmanyam, MD, FRCP (London), FACP (USA)
Internal Medicine Specialist
Kify Hospital
Danavaipeta
Rajahmundry
Phone : 85000 23456
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