Ways You Can Manage Your Uric Acid

Introduction

Hyperuricemia is a condition that almost 25%  of the Indian population suffers from, along with other comorbidities like hypertension or diabetes mellitus. 

Essentially, uric acid is a metabolic byproduct formed from the breakdown of purines found in food. The normal mechanism involves excretion via urine, but if this does not happen, then uric acid levels build up in the body – at the joints, kidneys, etc. Uric acid aggregates crystallize to form kidney stones or cause painful gout.

Uric Acid Management Through Diet and Lifestyle

We tend to get all the purines from the food we consume, and hence making fundamental changes to our diet is what will help in the long run. 

Drinking plenty of water is the next most important aspect, as the excess uric acid can be flushed out of the body via urine. 

The symptoms associated with this condition include- extremely painful joints, discoloration, tenderness, or a feeling of your joint burning, accompanied by stiffness or swelling. This is why gout is called an inflammatory type of arthritis. 

If the uric acid levels build up in the kidney, then you get kidney stones, hematuria (blood in the urine), etc. Exercise regularly and eat well, to maintain a constant weight. 

Low Purine Diet for Uric Acid Reduction

As mentioned, purines are not harmful if present in moderate quantities. Purine-rich foods include red meat, organic meats, alcohol, seafood, etc. Some vegetables like mushrooms, peas, or cabbage need to be eaten in limited quantities. Dairy products have also been implicated, and hence you could opt for skimmed milk or yogurt. Remember- the key is moderation. You can eat everything, but be mindful that you don’t eat too much of one item. Supplements also help in managing uric acid levels. 

Uric Acid Control with Hydration Tips

Drink about 10-16 cups of water every day. Some coffee every day is also very helpful in keeping gout away. Avoid sweet or sugary drinks and alcohol. Drinking a glass of lemon juice is also good, as Vitamin C intake influences uric acid levels, but we are not sure of the exact mechanism involved. Herbal supplements that contain turmeric, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin C, and other ayurvedic additions can also help. 

Uric Acid Management Tips for Gout Sufferers

Some important pointers to consider include the following

1. Food choices matter. Eat plenty of vegetables and fruits. Stay away from cured meats, bacon, overly sweet stuff, and juices.
2. Hydrate very well – at least 3 liters of water daily. Schedule breaks if you think you may forget, or set alarms accordingly. Sip on some water every 20 minutes to half an hour.
3. Check if you need to have medications like diuretics. Your physician may prescribe medication if needed- like allopurinol. 
4. Avoid alcohol- beer or spirits. Some foods are purine-rich like red meat, but you can eat others like rice, chicken, fish, pork, chapati, or vegetables. These have purines but levels are on the lower end. 
5. Get some exercise every day and make sure to stay at a constant weight, so you don’t stress your joints too much.
6. Stress management is essential- this is because people who work in highly tense environments tend to experience more gout attacks than usual. 

Conclusion

Gout or kidney stones are major side-effects observed, due to excessive accumulation of uric acid in the body. Getting rid of these extra reserves is not a very hard task. You can manage this condition well, by making a few crucial changes to your lifestyle- like drinking enough water and eating a balanced diet. Since your joints are important for daily movement, and they get adversely affected, it is important to exercise well and maintain a constant weight or even lose some extra kilos. This will ensure that you do not place any undue strain on them, and you will not have too much pain or swelling.

Dr. Shruthi Sripati

MBBS, MRCP (UK), SCE (Rheumatology – UK)

Consultant Rheumatologist

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