One often hears people talk about gout, where the pain during an attack is excruciating. Individuals with gout, when checked at the hospital, often have high uric acid levels. High uric acid can lead to gout, and this occurs when there is a substance called “purine” in the body that metabolizes abnormally, causing an increase in uric acid in the blood which cannot be excreted efficiently. About one-third of uric acid comes from food, while the remaining two-thirds are synthesized internally. One-third of this uric acid is excreted through the intestines, and the rest is eliminated by the kidneys. Prolonged high uric acid levels can severely damage kidney function and pose risks to the heart. Comparatively, there are more cases of gout now and a trend towards affecting younger individuals. This is also significantly influenced by diet, such as consuming seafood, beer, and excessive meat intake. Therefore, how can individuals with high uric acid levels adjust their diet? Let’s delve into it.
High uric acid? Don’t worry! By rotating these 6 types of foods daily and practicing 3 habits, uric acid levels will decrease without increase!
Rotate these 6 types of foods daily to help regulate the body and reduce uric acid levels.
1. Light Bamboo Leaves
Light bamboo leaves contain flavonoids that can enhance the body’s immune function, improve disease resistance, have heat-clearing and detoxifying properties, diuretic effects, and aid in eliminating uric acid. Therefore, individuals with high uric acid levels and gout often drink light bamboo leaf tea, which can effectively reduce uric acid levels.
2. Foods Rich in Potassium
Such as bananas, broccoli, and celery. Potassium can reduce uric acid precipitation and help excrete uric acid from the body. Hence, individuals with high uric acid levels are recommended to consume foods rich in potassium regularly.
3. Kidney-Nourishing Foods
Two-thirds of uric acid is mainly excreted through the kidneys, so by enhancing kidney function, we can promote the faster excretion of uric acid. Items that are beneficial for the kidneys include dark-colored foods. Hence, consuming foods like black sesame, black rice, and black fungus is advantageous.
4. Foods High in Dietary Fiber
Consuming foods high in dietary fiber such as corn, sweet potatoes, and cabbage can accelerate metabolism, inhibit uric acid formation within the body, and thereby reduce internal uric acid levels.
5. Diuretic Foods
Since uric acid is primarily eliminated through urine, consuming diuretic foods aids in its excretion. Examples of diuretic foods include bitter gourd, white radish, winter melon, and coix seed.
6. Low-Purine Foods
One-third of purine originates from food, thus controlling dietary intake is beneficial in lowering uric acid levels. Low-purine foods include corn, bitter gourd, red beans, mustard greens, cauliflower, cabbage, bananas, and apples.
By adhering to the following 3 habits, uric acid levels will only decrease:
1. Regular Exercise
Exercise enhances bone and muscle growth, strengthens bodily functions, benefits internal organs, promotes metabolism, accelerates excretion, and aids in the elimination of uric acid.
2. Early to Bed, Early to Rise, Avoiding Late Nights
Avoiding late nights is essential as it can harm the liver and kidneys. Improper kidney function is detrimental to uric acid excretion. Ensuring sufficient sleep by early sleeping and rising contributes to enhanced physical strength and organ functionality, resulting in overall health.
3. Stay Hydrated
Drinking water promotes kidney urination. Since two-thirds of uric acid is excreted through urine, individuals with high uric acid levels should drink more water than usual to facilitate uric acid excretion. For instance, the average daily water intake for a normal individual is between 1000-2000 milliliters, but those with high uric acid levels should aim for a daily water intake between 2000-3000 milliliters.
Individuals with high uric acid levels, don’t worry! By rotating these 6 types of foods daily and adopting the 3 habits mentioned, uric acid levels will decrease without increase!
(Note: The images above are from various sources on the internet.)
