Gout is a relatively common disease, caused by the excessive production or poor excretion of uric acid in the body, leading to elevated levels of uric acid in the blood. Excess uric acid salt crystals deposit in tissues, causing inflammation in joints and cartilage. When gout attacks, it not only causes unbearable pain but also affects other organs, triggering cardiovascular and kidney diseases. So, how can we reduce uric acid and prevent gout? Dietary adjustments are a good choice.
The “natural enemy” of gout has been found, consuming a little every day, helping you effortlessly lower uric acid levels and keep gout at bay.
1. Bitter Melon
Bitter melon is a commonly used vegetable known for its cooling properties. Apart from reducing internal heat, bitter melon is also effective in lowering uric acid. It is a low-fat, low-purine alkaline food rich in vitamin C. It contains the alkaloid quinine, which has diuretic, blood-circulating, anti-inflammatory, and antipyretic effects, beneficial for gout patients by eliminating excess uric acid, reducing inflammation, and lowering fever. The abundant vitamin C in bitter melon helps effectively lower uric acid levels in the blood.
2. Lemon
Although lemons taste sour, their metabolic byproducts are alkaline in the body. For individuals with gout or high uric acid levels, drinking lemon-infused water regularly can help neutralize acidic fluids in the body. Lemons are rich in vitamin C, which boosts immunity.
3. White Atractylodes Rhizome
White atractylodes rhizome has the effects of cooling blood, stopping bleeding, clearing heat, and detoxifying. It cools the blood without causing dryness or stickiness, making it a good medicine for treating gout. People with gout or high uric acid levels can consume it regularly or brew it into tea to effectively lower uric acid levels.
4. Mulberries
Mulberries are rich in manganese, which promotes the secretion of sex hormones, enhancing sperm activity and improving kidney function. With improved kidney function, the ability to excrete uric acid increases. Lower uric acid levels not only help alleviate gout pain but also protect the kidneys during uric acid reduction therapy.
5. Zucchini
Zucchini contains interferon inducer, stimulating interferon production in the body, enhancing immunity, and exerting anti-viral and anti-tumor effects. Also known as baby marrow, zucchini has higher water content than winter melon, providing a strong satiety feeling, particularly beneficial for gout and diabetes patients.
6. Corn Silk
Corn silk has strong diuretic properties, increasing urine output and naturally lowering uric acid levels by eliminating it through urine. Additionally, corn silk aids in bile secretion, liver function, blood pressure regulation, and blood sugar control. Corn silk when combined with loofah has even better effects when brewed into tea.
7. Winter Melon and Lotus Leaf Tea
Winter melon and lotus leaf tea is commonly used for weight loss and beauty purposes; however, it is also effective in lowering uric acid levels. This tea is excellent for diuresis and reducing swelling, helping eliminate acidic substances from the body through urine, thereby maintaining stable uric acid levels.
8. Lily Bulb
Lily bulb contains abundant colchicine, which alleviates inflammation during gout attacks, effectively reducing pain and providing auxiliary treatment for acute arthritis caused by gout attacks. Regular consumption of lily bulb by gout patients has a significant therapeutic and preventive effect. Additionally, lily bulb helps improve sleep disturbed by pain, serving a certain sedative and calming effect.
