Diet for high uric acid

I have high uric acid. Please advice a diet for me.
(November 1, 2010)

Several factors could lead to a high level of uric acid in the urine and blood. One reason it could occur is if the level of uric acid rises significantly due an increase in the production of uric acid or the body is unable to sufficiently relieve itself of the accumulated uric acid through urination. Significant consumption of high purine foods also leads to an increase in the production of uric acid. Excessive consumption of alcohol or coffee is also factors that could trigger an increase in uric acid production. In addition to these, there are certain medical conditions like leukemia, lymphoma, hypothyroidism, consumption of medication that suppresses the immune system, which results in increased uric acid levels. However, there are also instances where this health condition is hereditary.

The most effective way of treating this condition is to adopt a suitable uric acid diet. It is essential for a person suffering from this condition to avoid consuming foods that are high in purines, as these foods increase levels of uric acid but not nutrition. The best uric acid diet involves consumption low purine foods, which serve to help regularize the uric acid level in the body. Gout, being the most common outcome of increased uric acid levels is triggered by various foods like: red meat; fish like mackerel, sardines, mussels, oysters, and scallops; fatty white meat like poultry or pork; organ meat like liver, heart, or kidney; beef broth; caviar; and bouillon. Other foods causing gout include dairy products like whole milk, cheese, ice cream, or butter; spinach; mushrooms; peas, cauliflower; and asparagus. Although, some of these foods cannot be completely avoided, it is advisable to take these foods in lesser quantities, to reduce the excessive production of uric acid. It is essential to avoid consuming alcohol or coffer, in order to effectively treat this condition. A uric acid diet involves daily consumption of at least 2 to 3 liters of fluids like water, vegetable juice, herbal tea, unsweetened fruit juices, and soup. It would be advisable to add flax seeds, pumpkin seeds, and hemp seeds to your diet. Consuming 1 apple after meals and 2 bananas daily is considered to be effective gout treatment. Other foods helpful in reducing uric acids levels include avocados, orange juice, dried peaches, potatoes, yoghurt, skimmed milk, yam, lemon juice, kidney beans, berries, cabbage, tofu, tomatoes, celery, etc. In addition, foods that contain bromelain and vitamin C like red bell peppers, red cabbage, and pineapples are also helpful.    

Uric acid is a by product of purine, which reaches the kidneys. Increase in alcohol, diuretics, obesity, high purine diet, psoriasis, leukaemia and so on are some of the contributing factors for increase in uric acid levels. Treatment of the condition prevents the onset of gout, uric acid nephropathy and tophi, which is the accumulation of urate crystals under the skin in the soft tissues. Excessive uric acid in the blood is referred to as hyperuricemia. The normal uric acid levels in females are 2.4 to 6 mg/dl and 3.4 to 7 mg/dl in the case of males. High uric acid levels are a result of improper elimination of uric acid or increase in purine containing foods. The body as such also produces increased amounts of uric acid in some individuals. High uric acid levels result in gout, a type of arthritis.

Foods that contain purines and protein, in turn result in uric acid production. Certain foods that are devoid of purine, but contribute to gout are red meat, sardine, alcohol, poultry, yeast, red meat, asparagus, bouillon, cauliflower, herring, mushroom, organ meat, fried foods, broth, consommé, dried fruits, poultry, fish, beans, yeast products, lentils and oatmeal. Foods that have a pH of 5 to 5.5 are acidic foods and are not preferred. Some of the acid forming foods are chocolate, pasta, breads, black tea, pastries, artificial sweeteners, white flour, salt, white rice, vinegar, turkey, lamb, wheat bread and goat.

Increase in the degeneration of the cells also cause uric acid increase. Lean meats should replace the red meat. Low fat foods are effective. Tofu and eggs are also helpful, as moderate amount of protein is necessary. Restrict the intake of poultry, meat and fish to about 4 to 6 ounces per day. Adequate amount of water helps in the dilution of uric acid thereby proving beneficial. About eight to ten glasses of water are helpful. High purine foods such as scallops, sweet bread, mackerel, anchovies, brain, beef, kidney, herring, sardines and game meat are foods that contribute to high uric acid levels. A healthy and balanced diet is effective in maintenance of ideal body weight.

Reduction in carbohydrates is not recommended, as it results in the formation of ketone bodies. Foods such as beef, fish, poultry, asparagus, spinach, peas, mushrooms, oatmeal, wheat germ and wheat bran are allowed in moderate amounts. Uric acid levels are also high in certain individuals without gout. It is better to take the guidance of your physician, as gout remains asymptomatic and undiagnosed in many individuals.