In addition to the three highs, high uric acid, known as the “fourth high,” has also become a relatively common condition in our lives. Compared to the three highs, other conditions caused by high uric acid, such as gout, are more serious. This is one of the reasons why we consider high uric acid as a public enemy. For patients with high uric acid levels, uric acid in the body circulates in the bloodstream and deposits at the joints, forming crystals that cause gout. This can hinder our physical activities and cause joint pain. The key to preventing gout is to control the uric acid levels in the body, which are closely related to purine metabolism. If diet is not carefully managed, consuming foods high in purine can easily increase uric acid levels in the body, thereby increasing the likelihood of gout. Besides controlling the intake of high-purine foods, what foods can help us control uric acid levels? The following foods can help us control uric acid levels.
1. Cucumber
Most people are familiar with the concept of acid-base balance. When there is an excess of acidic substances in the body, such as uric acid, consuming alkaline foods can help balance uric acid levels. Cucumber is a good alkaline food that contains high potassium salts, which have a beneficial effect on patients with nephritis and cystitis. The malic acid in cucumbers helps maintain the body’s water and salt balance, acting as a diuretic and reducing swelling. Regular consumption of cucumbers not only helps in excreting uric acid through diuresis but also has a good effect on relieving constipation.
2. Houttuynia cordata
Houttuynia cordata is a common herb in rural areas, often used to make tea for its heat-clearing, antidiarrheal, and stomach-strengthening properties. It also has a good diuretic effect, helping high uric acid patients eliminate uric acid from the body and prevent gout.
3. Apple
Apples are one of the most common fruits in our lives, rich in nutrients such as pectin and vitamins. Regular consumption of apples can promote gastrointestinal motility and prevent constipation. Like cucumber, apples are alkaline foods that, when ingested, quickly synthesize excess acids in the body, helping to lower uric acid levels. Therefore, eating more apples can turn the urine alkaline, facilitating the excretion of uric acid and reducing the likelihood of gout.
4. Kelp
Kelp is an edible seaweed that grows in cold seawater. It not only has a rich flavor but also has excellent health benefits. Kelp contains elements such as iodine, potassium, and calcium, which can lower blood pressure, clean up junk and fats on blood vessel walls, and prevent thrombosis. It promotes gastrointestinal motility, improves digestion, and its iodine content can prevent goiter and dissolve uric acid crystals, reducing the chance of gout.
5. Glechoma hederacea
Glechoma hederacea, also known as kidney tea, is rich in potassium and can eliminate body fluids and toxins, alleviating gout caused by high uric acid levels. It is also used to treat chronic nephritis, kidney stones, and rheumatoid arthritis. For conditions like high uric acid, which is a metabolic disease of the kidneys, consuming Glechoma hederacea is highly beneficial.
