Foods to Avoid in High Uric Acid: A Complete Guide to Gout-Friendly Eating

Uric acid is a natural waste product that forms when the body breaks down purines, which are compounds found in certain foods. These foods can trigger uric acid accumulation, leading to conditions such as gout and kidney stones. If you are dealing with increased uric acid, diet plays a key role in managing it. Making a healthy dietary choice can prevent the worsening of symptoms and balance uric acid levels. This blog will help you explore all the foods to avoid in high uric acid! 

6 Foods to Avoid in High Uric Acid

The following are the foods that increase uric acid levels and lead to the development of gout and kidney stones: 

1. Sugary Foods 

When you have sugary foods like sweetened cereals, candies, and bakery goods, the body breaks the glucose (sugar) in them into fructose and releases the level of purines. This further increases uric acid levels.

2. Sugary Beverages

Sugary beverages such as soda drinks and fresh fruit juices often contain high refined sugar. According to research, it is found that faster absorption of refined sugars may increase your blood sugar levels and lead to higher amounts of uric acid. 

3. Alcohol

According to the CDC, alcohol is high in purines which can increase uric acid levels and cause gout. It prevents the kidneys from eliminating uric acid and instead pulls the purines back into the body. This leads to their accumulation in the body, raising uric acid levels.  

4. Purine-Rich Animal Foods

Red meats (e.g., lamb and beef), organ meats (e.g., kidney and liver), and seafood (e.g., tuna and sardines) are the foods that trigger gout. This is because they provide high purine content, which is converted into uric acid, worsening symptoms of gout. 

5. Gravy and Meat Sauces

Avoid meat products, including gravy and meat sauces as they are rich in purines which can be broken down by the body and produce uric acid. This, in turn, can significantly increase uric acid levels and trigger episodes of gout attack.

6. Carbohydrates-Rich Foods

Carbs are also rich in sugar and may cause a spike in blood sugar levels, which can lead to insulin resistance and contribute to high uric acid levels. So, avoid carb-rich foods that increase blood sugar levels. Those include sugary breakfast cereals, potatoes, corn, white bread, rice, cookies, chips, bananas, watermelon, and mango. 

Foods to Eat To Reduce High Uric Acid Levels

Avoiding certain foods won’t be sufficient to reduce high uric acid. The addition of nutritious foods to your diet can also aid in reducing uric acid:

• Fruits & vegetables: Eat veggies like broccoli, spinach, tomatoes, and mushrooms and fruits like berries, oranges, pineapples, grapefruit, and cherries. Being rich in fiber, antioxidants, and vitamin C, they help reduce uric acid levels.

• Whole grains: Choose brown rice, oats, whole wheat, and quinoa. They are a great source of fiber, which helps absorb and excrete uric acid from the body.

• Lean proteins: Consume eggs, tofu, and legumes as they have low purine content, thus, producing low uric acid.

• Low-fat dairy products: Low or no-fat milk is one of the best drinks for uric acid control. The casein and whey in it assist in excreting uric acid via urine.
  

Also Read: How To Control Uric Acid By Adopting A Uric Acid Diet Menu.

Follow A Meal Plan

Following a healthy meal plan can also lower uric acid levels and promote overall health. However, always get advice from a registered dietitian about your dietary changes.

Breakfast

• Whole-grain, unsweetened cereal with low-fat and skim milk

• 1 cup of fresh strawberries

• Coffee

• Water

Lunch

• Roasted chicken breast slices on a whole-grain roll

• Mixed green salad with vegetables, 1 tablespoon of nuts, and balsamic vinegar and olive oil dressing

• Low-fat or skim milk or water

Afternoon Snack

• 1 cup of fresh cherries

• Water

Dinner

• 1/2 cup of skinless chicken breast

• 1/2 cup of barley, brown rice, or any whole-grain

• 1 to 2 cups of broccoli

• 1/2 cup of kefir

• Caffeine-free beverages like herbal tea

Additional Tips To Lower Uric Acid Levels

Other than diet, make sure to consider these things to reduce uric acid levels:

• Drink Plenty of Water: Drink at least 8 glasses of water throughout the day to excrete excess uric acid by supporting kidney function.

• Manage a Healthy Body Weight: A healthy weight can effectively support the kidneys and improve the elimination of uric acid through urine.

• Get Adequate Sleep: Aim to get 7-8 hours of sleep every night, which helps improve metabolism and reduce uric acid levels.

• Manage Stress: Practice relaxation techniques, yoga, and meditation to avoid worsening of gout symptoms.

• Exercise Regularly: Engage in moderate-intensity exercises for about 30 minutes a day to reduce uric acid levels and promote overall health.

• Avoid Medications Raising Uric Acid: Don't use diuretics, vitamin B-3, cyclosporine, aspirin, blood pressure medications, and pyrazinamide as they cause uric acid accumulation in the body. See a doctor to get alternative options.

What Causes High Uric Acid in the Body?

A high uric acid level often occurs when your kidneys do not eliminate uric acid efficiently. Uric acid can naturally be collected in your body, and some of these reasons for the collection of this compound can be:

• Genetics disorder

• Obesity or being overweight

• Strong Immune-suppressing drugs

• Drinking too much alcohol and beer

• The inability of the kidneys to filter waste or renal insufficiency

• Purine-rich food such as mushrooms, dried beans, and peas.

• Other foods like game meat, anchovies, sardines, and meat gravy.

An average uric acid level is under 6.8 mg. A high uric acid level or above 6.8 mg is known as hyperuricemia. This condition can cause uric acid (or urate) crystals to form. These crystals can accumulate in the joints and lead to pain like gout and arthritis. These crystals can also lie in the kidneys and form kidney stones.

What Health Conditions Lead to High Uric Acid Levels?

Certain health conditions can also lead to high uric acid levels in the body:

• Kidney disease

• Diabetes mellitus

• Hypothyroidism is when the thyroid gland doesn't produce enough thyroid hormone.

• Heart disease

• Some types of cancers or chemotherapy

• Psoriasis skin disease includes inflamed, dry skin, rash, and silvery scales.

Remember that a low-purine diet can prevent complications and symptoms of the above health conditions. 

What Medication Helps to Reduce Uric Acid Production?

Your doctor may prescribe some medication that helps to reduce uric acid production, such as - 

• Allopurinol (Aloprim, Zyloprim)

• Febuxostat (Uloric)

Final Thoughts

Foods to avoid in high uric acid cases may include sugary foods and drinks, carb-rich foods, high-purine foods, gravy and meat sauces, and alcohol. In addition to diet, make sure to exercise, manage stress, maintain a healthy weight, get adequate sleep, and stay hydrated. Along with this medicines can also help. However, it is advisable to consult the doctor before you take any medications.

Read Also: Tips to cure uric acid or gout naturally.