It’s very common to hear that someone “has uric acid,” immediately thinking it’s an illness! In fact, uric acid is a substance naturally produced by our own bodies, and the problem arises when the levels of this substance become elevated. It occurs due to the breakdown of molecules from a protein found in many foods, purine, through the action of an enzyme called xanthine oxidase. After being used in the body, these proteins are broken down and transformed into uric acid. Part of this uric acid stays in the bloodstream, and the rest should be eliminated by the kidneys. Normally, uric acid does not cause major harm to your health, since it should be eliminated by the kidneys, but when this doesn’t happen properly due to some kidney problem or excessive protein intake, or even if uric acid production is too high and the body can’t cope, the buildup in the joints becomes inevitable. This accumulation can give rise to a joint disease commonly known as gout, or in medical terms as gouty arthritis.

Why Do Uric Acid Levels Increase?

Uric acid levels can rise for several reasons, including increased production of uric acid or because the body is eliminating too little through urine, sometimes even due to interference from treatments being done or medications used. This increase in uric acid levels is called hyperuricemia. Due to higher levels of uric acid in the blood, tiny crystals composed of sodium urate are formed, which look like little needles, and are distributed throughout the body, but are more concentrated in the joints, kidneys, and under the skin.

IMPORTANT: Research by the Heart Institute of São Paulo declares that high uric acid levels increase the risk of a patient suffering a stroke.

One of the main causes of excess uric acid comes from poor diet and excessive consumption of protein, such as red meat and seafood. Drinking alcoholic beverages is also responsible for raising uric acid levels in the body, since it alters urate production and also changes elimination by the kidneys.

Symptoms of Uric Acid

The presence of these tiny urate crystals in the joints causes severe pain and secondary arthritis attacks, especially in the lower parts of the body such as ankles, heels, toes, and knees. Even though the lower limbs are the most affected, any other part or joint can be compromised. Swelling in the feet, toes, ankles, and knees is very common, as well as a lot of difficulty moving these areas. The areas may appear very red and warmer than usual. In extreme cases, the joints may even start to become deformed due to the excess of crystals. Another very affected area is the kidneys, because this excess uric acid in the blood is responsible for occurrences of kidney stones and even chronic or acute renal insufficiency. It is quite common for patients with excess uric acid to have frequent kidney stones attacks, causing intense back pain and a lot of difficulty to urinate.

Uric Acid Treatment

Contrary to what many people believe, excess uric acid in the body can indeed be cured! Usually, treatment is managed and guided by a specialist physician, a rheumatologist. Treatment should be based on dietary habit changes and, if necessary, medication to help lower uric acid levels in the blood, along with anti-inflammatories to control joint pain.

What Not to Eat?

Patients are given a specific diet with foods that should be reduced or completely avoided from their menu. Red meats, fish and seafood, fatty foods, and alcohol should be avoided as much as possible! The best diet for those suffering from excessive uric acid in the blood is based on organic and natural foods, always avoiding processed foods. However, some organic foods also aren’t recommended for treatment due to their high purine content, so we’re pointing them out.

  • Red meats in general;
  • Poultry;
  • Fish, cod, shellfish, mussels, sardines;
  • Fruits that tend to be very sweet, especially when ripe (mango, persimmon, pineapple)
  • Processed meats;
  • Alcohol, especially beer

Foods such as bread, cookies, and cakes that are considered refined carbohydrates are also not recommended for patients with excess uric acid, and their consumption should be reduced. Foods such as tomatoes, cauliflower, peas, mushrooms, and asparagus are also not recommended as they cause the body to retain acids.

Foods That Reduce Uric Acid

Since we’ve talked about what not to eat, now we’ll list the main foods that help control uric acid levels in the blood. The first recommendation that should be followed by everyone, not just those with excess uric acid, is to drink plenty of water. The proper consumption of water will make you urinate more, thus making it easier to eliminate excess uric acid from your body. Actually, not drinking enough water can be one of the reasons why excess uric acid can’t be eliminated. There are some foods that, besides being rich in vitamins, help remove toxins from the body. For example, artichoke has a diuretic effect and reduces fluid retention in the body, so it’s a great item to include in the diet of someone treating excess uric acid. Carrots, also due to their alkalizing effect, help dissolve crystals and release purines lodged in the joints, reducing local swelling. The great thing about carrots is that they can be consumed raw, cooked, in savory dishes, and even in juices. Orange and lemon are also excellent fruit options. Orange, which is rich in vitamin C, helps reduce crystals and possible stones. Lemon, which is recommended for body detoxification, is one of the foods that shows the best results for cases of excess uric acid. Its acidity turns alkaline in the stomach and helps control blood acidity. Garlic and onion, so often used in daily dishes, have a cleansing effect on the body and help reduce hyperuricemia, as well as helping to lower cholesterol and blood pressure. Garlic can be used crushed in a glass of water and, after 6 hours, should be ingested at least 3 times a day. Visit your doctor regularly and have routine check-ups. Through common lab tests, it is possible to check uric acid levels in the blood. The sooner you discover and treat high uric acid, the less discomfort it will cause, and, of course, the less you risk severe harm from excessive uric acid in your blood. Photo: anna carol