Managing High Uric Acid Levels Through Diet and Lifestyle

High uric acid levels, also known as hyperuricemia, can lead to painful conditions like gout and kidney stones. But with the right diet and lifestyle changes, it is possible to keep uric acid levels in check. This article provides an overview of uric acid, its causes, symptoms, and most importantly – how to control it through diet and supplements.

What is Uric Acid?

Uric acid is a waste product created when the body breaks down purines. Purines are compounds found naturally in some foods, especially organ meats like liver.

In moderation, uric acid is harmless and easily filtered out by the kidneys. But if too much uric acid accumulates, it can crystallize and settle in joints, tendons and surrounding tissues. This causes inflammation and intense pain.

High uric acid levels can be caused by:

• Genetics – some people are predisposed to produce too much uric acid
• Diet high in purines and fructose
• Dehydration – reduces uric acid excretion
• Obesity
• Excess alcohol consumption
• Certain medications and health conditions

5 Hidden Signs of High Uric Acid Levels

High uric acid often goes undetected until it leads to severe gout attacks. But there are subtle symptoms that can serve as early warning signs:

1. Mild or persistent joint pains – While intense joint pain during gout attacks is well known, milder joint pains in toes, knees, wrists, ankles etc could indicate uric acid buildup.
2. Fatigue and lack of energy – High uric acid puts strain on metabolism and energy production. This can lead to tiredness and flu-like exhaustion.
3. Bumps or lumps around joints – These lumps called tophi, are deposits of urate crystals. Even without pain, their presence signifies high uric acid.
4. Blood in urine – As uric acid accumulates in kidneys, it can cause stones and bleeding into the urinary tract.
5. Lower backache – Kidney stones formed due to high uric acid can manifest as pain in lower back radiating to abdomen and groin.

Noticing these subtle symptoms early and getting uric acid levels tested allows for lifestyle changes before acute gout strikes.

Measuring and Monitoring Uric Acid Levels

The key is to monitor uric acid levels periodically to catch any rises early. The normal range is 3.5 to 7.2 mg/dL for men and 2.6 to 6.0 mg/dL for women.

Levels above 6.8 mg/dL for men and 6.0 mg/dL for women indicate hyperuricemia. Levels above 8.0 mg/dL greatly increase gout risk.

Getting a simple blood test from your doctor is the first step. Home urine test kits that allow convenient and regular self-monitoring of uric acid are also now available.

Powerful Lifestyle Changes to Control Uric Acid

Diet and lifestyle adjustments are highly effective at reducing elevated uric acid levels. Key strategies include:

Avoid High Fructose Foods and Beverages

Fructose rich foods like sugary sodas, fruit juices, packaged snacks etc stimulate uric acid production. Avoiding high fructose corn syrup and added sugars helps lower uric acid.

Limit Intake of High Purine Foods

Foods naturally high in purines like organ meats, seafood, yeast and beer tend to raise uric acid. Limiting purine-rich foods provides long term uric acid control.

Stay Well Hydrated

Chronic dehydration reduces uric acid excretion through urine. Adequate water intake enhances flushing out of uric acid. Herbal teas and diluted fruit juices are healthy options.

Reach and Maintain a Healthy Weight

Obesity stresses metabolic pathways involved in processing purines and increases uric acid production. Weight loss, especially combined with exercise, does wonders for normalizing uric acid.

Limit Alcohol Intake

All kinds of alcohol tend to increase uric acid levels. Hard liquors are most strongly correlated, followed by beer. Wine in moderation may be an exception.

Correct Vitamin C and Vitamin B3 Deficiency

Vitamin C helps excrete uric acid through urine. Niacin (vitamin B3) deficiency can impair this process leading to accumulation. Supplementing with these vitamins helps overcome such scenarios.

Avoid Trigger Medications

Certain blood pressure and diuretic medications like hydrochlorothiazide are known to increase uric acid levels. Checking with your doctor for alternatives helps eliminate drug-induced triggers.

Natural Uric Acid Lowering Supplements

Some herbal extracts and antioxidants naturally lower uric acid levels by inhibiting xanthine oxidase, the enzyme involved in uric acid production. These include:

• Quercetin – 500mg per day
• Vitamin C – 500mg per day
• Luteolin – 100mg per day
• Cherry extracts

The Purine Limiting LUV Diet

The LUV diet (Lower Uric Value) developed by Dr. Richard Johnson combines uric acid lowering foods, nutrients and recipes. Key aspects include:

• Restricts high purine foods like organ meats, seafood etc. Allows purine sources like spinach in moderation.
• Excludes high fructose corn syrup, fruit juices and sodas.
• Emphasizes vegetables like red onions, beans, cherries etc which contain uric acid lowering bioflavonoids.
• Adequate hydration and vegetable protein sources.
• Eliminates beer consumption due to its high purine levels.
• Allows coffee and tea which appear to have uric acid lowering effects.

The LUV diet provides a structured approach to long term uric acid control. Combined with uric acid monitoring and targeted supplementation, it offers a powerful solution for hyperuricemia and gout prevention.

High Uric Acid Levels Can Lead to Recurrent Painful Gout

Left unchecked, chronic high uric acid levels can lead to recurrent painful gout episodes and joint damage. But with diligent monitoring, dietary and lifestyle changes, high uric acid is very treatable.

Getting tested periodically, understanding subtle signs of excess uric acid and utilizing a multifaceted treatment approach helps avoid complications and maintain normal healthy levels. Work with your doctor to determine an optimal uric acid management plan for your long term health.