1. How is uric acid produced?
Human cells contain a large amount of nucleic acid, a substance that contains all the genetic codes of our body. The composition unit of nucleic acid is purine, which is closely related to the production of uric acid.
When aging cells in the body break down, purines are formed. Purines are further processed in the body to become uric acid. Additionally, consuming foods in our daily diet that contain purine compounds, nucleic acids, and nucleoproteins will also generate uric acid under the action of certain enzymes.
2. Gout is the sustained presence of high uric acid
When the uric acid in the body remains in a saturated state, it leads to the entry of dissolved uric acid sodium into a supersaturated state, forming uric acid sodium crystals. If these crystals deposit in joints, kidneys, or other tissues in the body and undergo a series of biochemical reactions, it triggers an inflammatory response, leading to the development of gout.
Therefore, in daily life, if you find your uric acid levels are high, you must bring them down.
3. Doctors admit: Eating these 5 types of fruits more often may help lower uric acid. How much do you know?
1. Oranges
Oranges are rich in vitamin C, carotene, flavonoids, and pectin. Vitamin C has a moderate effect on promoting uric acid excretion. Supplementing with vitamin C (500 mg per day) for 2 months can significantly reduce blood uric acid levels. Carotene has antioxidant properties, providing certain relief against oxidative stress caused by long-term high uric acid levels. Flavonoids have a similar mechanism to allopurinol in lowering uric acid, inhibiting uric acid synthesis in the liver. Pectin promotes the excretion of excess lipids in the body and dissolves and expels uric acid crystals.
Therefore, for those with high uric acid levels, it is recommended to eat an orange a day.
However, it is important to note that when consuming oranges, opt for fresh oranges instead of orange juice, even if freshly squeezed. This is because fruit juice loses almost all fiber during processing, leading to the loss of many beneficial nutrients for gout.
2. Lemons
Nutritional studies have found that lemons are rich in vitamin B and vitamin C. These vitamins have a dual effect on lowering uric acid: promoting excretion and inhibiting synthesis. Currently, the uric acid-lowering effects of oral vitamin C are employed in clinical settings for gout.
Moreover, when consuming lemons, it is often in the form of lemon water. Drinking plenty of water is beneficial for gout. Increased hydration leads to higher uric acid excretion through urine, reducing the retention of uric acid in the body and lowering the risk of gout.
Therefore, when consuming lemons, it is recommended to consume them in the form of lemon water.
3. Cherries
Several early studies have found that anthocyanins in cherries help lower blood uric acid levels, increase uric acid excretion, and simultaneously reduce the concentration of serum inflammatory markers.
Scientists conducted a 1-year observational study on 633 gout patients, revealing that gout attacks decreased by 35% in patients who ate 10-12 fresh cherries every two days or consumed cherry extract compared to those who did not. Additionally, cherries are rich in iron, which supplements the body’s iron requirements, promotes hemoglobin regeneration, and helps prevent iron deficiency anemia.
4. Peaches
In traditional Chinese medicine, peaches have a diuretic effect, promoting uric acid excretion and preventing gout. Modern nutritional studies have found that peaches are rich in potassium citrate and pectin.
Potassium citrate in peaches aids in uric acid excretion, prevents uric acid crystal deposition, and effectively prevents high uric acid levels. Pectin in peaches can effectively adsorb harmful substances in the body, thereby carrying them out of the body and reducing the burden caused by uric acid and purine accumulation on the body.
5. Apples
Health professionals specializing in popular microhealth tell us that foods that become alkaline after metabolism in the body are termed alkaline foods. Apples are alkaline fruits rich in potassium, calcium, magnesium, and other elements. They help metabolize food into a stronger alkaline state within the body, aiding in the dissolution and excretion of uric acid.
Apples also contain a substantial amount of vitamin C and moisture, both of which facilitate uric acid excretion in the body.
Most importantly, apples contain a significant amount of malic acid, which not only helps eliminate waste and impurities in the body but also reduces uric acid levels internally, alleviating the pain caused by uric acid accumulation.
Therefore, individuals with high uric acid levels can benefit from eating an apple a day.
That’s all for today. Feel free to share other fruits that help lower uric acid in the comments. Sharing is caring. Thank you~
References:
[1] Zhang H, Wu R, Xiao Y, et al. Fruit identification for gout and high uric acid population[J]. Chinese Modern Distance Education of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Vol. 18, No. 9, p. 109-111, 2020.
[2] Ling Q. Cherries can reduce gout attacks[J]. Cardiovascular Disease Prevention and Knowledge (Popular Science Edition), 2012.
[3] None. Can people with high uric acid eat more fruit?[J]. Chinese Family Doctor, 2019(11):48-49.
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