Uric acid is a waste product formed when the body breaks down purines. When levels stay high, crystals can form in joints and cause gout, and may contribute to kidney stones. Diet and lifestyle can help, but medicines are often needed, and you should not stop any prescribed treatment on your own.
Key Takeaways
- High uric acid (hyperuricaemia) does not always cause symptoms, but can lead to painful gout attacks.
- Limit alcohol (especially beer), sugary drinks, organ meats, red meat and some seafood.
- Drink plenty of water, keep a healthy weight, and avoid crash dieting or fasting.
- Vegetables, dals and most plant foods are not a major problem for most people.
- A doctor should confirm the diagnosis with a blood test and decide on treatment.
What Causes High Uric Acid?
Causes include a diet high in purines, alcohol, obesity, kidneys not clearing uric acid well, some medicines (such as certain diuretics), and family history. The NHS gives an overview of gout, its symptoms and treatment. (NHS: Gout)
Foods to Eat
- Water: stay well hydrated through the day.
- Vegetables, fruits and whole grains.
- Low-fat milk, curd and other low-fat dairy, which are linked with a lower gout risk in studies.
- Moderate amounts of dals and legumes. Plant purines have not been linked to gout attacks as strongly as meat purines.
- Coffee in moderation is linked with lower uric acid in some studies, but discuss with your doctor first.
Foods to Limit or Avoid
| Limit or avoid | Why |
|---|---|
| Organ meats (liver, kidney) and red meat | High in purines |
| Some seafood (sardines, anchovies, shellfish) | High in purines |
| Beer and spirits | Raise uric acid and can trigger attacks |
| Sugary drinks and fruit juices high in fructose | Linked with higher uric acid and gout risk |
| Heavy fried and processed foods | Promote weight gain and inflammation |
Food combinations and timing also matter for overall metabolic health. See wrong food combinations and our guide to reversing lifestyle diseases naturally.
Lifestyle Tips
- Lose weight gradually if overweight. Avoid crash diets, which can raise uric acid temporarily.
- Exercise regularly.
- Limit alcohol.
- Do not stop prescribed medicines for gout or uric acid without your doctor.
Stones can also form in the kidneys; read Ayurveda and kidney stones for related information.
Home Remedies: Be Careful
Remedies such as cherries, lemon water, apple cider vinegar, giloy or herbal juices are widely shared online, but good proof is limited. Cherries have some early evidence, but they do not replace treatment. Avoid unregulated products that claim to cure gout.
See a Doctor If
- A joint, often the big toe, becomes suddenly swollen, red, hot and very painful.
- You have repeated attacks, visible lumps (tophi) or kidney stone pain.
- You have fever with a painful joint.
FAQs
What is a normal uric acid level?
Reference ranges vary by lab, sex and age. Ask your doctor to interpret your report.
Can I eat dal and spinach?
Most people can in moderate amounts, unless their doctor says otherwise.
Can uric acid be cured with diet alone?
Diet helps some people, but many need medication.
Conclusion
Hydration, weight control, less alcohol and fewer high-purine foods can help lower uric acid, but get a proper medical evaluation if you have symptoms or high test results.
References
This article is for general information only and is not medical advice. Do not start, stop or change any medicine or supplement without speaking to a qualified doctor or pharmacist.