Now our lives are getting better and better, but pollution is increasing, and many people are experiencing symptoms of high uric acid due to an improved quality of life. High uric acid can be considered a rich man’s disease, as it is mostly “eaten” into existence; uric acid is a metabolic byproduct of purine compounds in humans. When uric acid levels rise, excess urate crystals can accumulate in tissues, mainly causing inflammation in joints and cartilage, which can lead to gout. So what foods should people with high uric acid consume? Today, I will introduce some foods that can lower uric acid and help with gout, so let’s take a look.
1. Winter Melon
Winter melon contains a high water content, reaching 96%, and is known as the “king of vegetables.” It can increase urine output, promoting the excretion of uric acid, and has effects of reducing pressure and swelling. Winter melon is almost fat-free and contains potassium and malic acid; potassium has a unique role in human metabolism, while malic acid helps convert carbohydrates into energy rather than being stored as fat in the body.
2. Bitter Melon
Bitter melon is a low-fat, low-purine alkaline food that is rich in vitamin C. The alkaloid substance it contains—quinine—has diuretic, blood circulation-promoting, anti-inflammatory, and fever-reducing effects, benefiting gout patients by helping to eliminate excess uric acid and reduce swelling. The abundant vitamin C in bitter melon can effectively help lower the uric acid levels in blood. For gout patients, bitter melon is an excellent food for reducing uric acid. It also contains triterpenoid compounds that help reduce inflammatory cell-induced inflammatory responses; therefore, during flare-ups, it is advisable for gout patients to consume more bitter melon.
3. Celery
Celery contains a large amount of potassium, which can prevent the accumulation of uric acid and has good diuretic effects. People with high uric acid can eat more celery, as the potassium in celery promotes the excretion of uric acid, making it a natural “diuretic.” Additionally, the potassium and dietary fiber in celery can effectively lower blood pressure, which is beneficial for preventing hypertension often associated with high uric acid.
4. Plain Water
Drinking water is the simplest and most direct way to excrete uric acid, as drinking more water daily can promote urination, allowing uric acid to be expelled through urine. People with high uric acid should ideally excrete at least 2000 milliliters of uric acid daily. It is important to note that the water consumed should be plain water, not beverages; drinking a glass of warm water immediately upon waking in the morning and another before meals, ensuring a daily intake of 8 cups, is considered ideal.
