Strawberries and potatoes are effective foods for high uric acid levels

I have 7.7 uric acid in my body my feet and whole body is paining and I feel weakness, what I should eat. Please suggest me fruits and meals by name. Thanks
(October 12, 2010)

Uric acid levels in an individual need to be monitored from time to time because high uric acid levels tend to result in the formation of gout wherein needle like uric acid crystals are formed in the body of the concerned individual and these uric acid crystals deposit themselves in joints such as the knee or the wrist or even the big toe causing excruciating pain. Once formed, these uric acid crystals tend to result in warmth, redness, sudden onset of incapacitating swelling and pain. In most cases uric acid reduction can be achieved by making smart lifestyle choices and also by following the right nutrition. One of the first steps to know how to lower uric acid levels is to reduce or completely avoid the consumption of foods that are rich in purines.

Purines are basically chemicals that tend to exist naturally in certain foods such as beef kidneys and other animal organ meats, seafood such as anchovies, and scallops.


Purine rich foods lead to high uric acid levels because when consumed they get metabolized thus producing uric acid. In fact it has been observed that all meats and seafood contain purines and hence are directly related to the occurrence of gout in the individual if consumed in large quantities and on a regular basis. Similarly to lower ones uric acid levels one should also avoid and completely stop the intake of all alcohol and alcoholic products such as certain spirits and beer which are known to significantly raise the uric acid levels. Additionally, alcohol is also known to result in dehydration when consumed excessively which in turn results in the deposition of uric acid crystals in the various susceptible joints in the individual.

High uric acid levels are also associated with high consumption of fructose corn syrup which is found in many sugary soft drinks and hence these should be strictly avoided to lower the uric acid levels. Another important aspect to lower the uric acid levels and preventing the onset of gout which is a form of arthritis is to drink at least 8 to 10 glasses of water on a daily basis as water helps the body in staying well hydrated. This in turn enables the kidneys to regulate and lower the production of uric acid thereby minimizing the possibility of the formation and deposition of uric acid crystals in the joints. On the other hand uric acid diet help to reduce amount of uric acid in blood which include skim milk, yogurt and cottage cheese. These dairy products help the body in quickly eliminating any excess uric acid that may be produced thus preventing gout as well. There are also certain fruits that are known to lower the uric acid levels such as strawberries, blueberries and black cherries and hence the consumption of these fruits should be increased in ones daily diet. Nowadays many dieticians and doctors are also advising individuals to lower their uric acid levels by consuming a Mediterranean diet comprising of fruits, vegetables, olive oil, fatty fish like salmon and also whole grains.

The normal uric acid levels in men are 3.4 mg/dl to 7 mg/dl. The contributing factors for high uric acid in the system are poor elimination of uric acid and increase in dietary intake of uric acid. Uric acid is broken down into the final product allantoin, by the enzyme uricase. Deficiency of this enzyme also causes increase in uric acid levels. Vegetarians have a lower level, due to the absence of meat in their diet. High uric acid levels result in a condition known as gouty arthritis. The uric acid crystals accumulate as crystals in certain areas, such as joints. These levels further increase by the intake of foods containing purine and protein. Inflammation, pain and discomfort are the typical symptoms, which accompany high uric acid levels. Avoid high protein and high purine foods. Apart from diet, body weight is also an important issue of consideration. Obesity has a direct relationship with uric acid levels.

Abstain from crash diets, as it also increases the risk of gout. Increase in uric acid aggravates as stones in the kidney. About eight to ten glasses of water helps in flushing off the uric acid and other toxins. Sardines, hearts, yeast, sweet bread, mussels, herring, smelt and yeast are excellent sources of purine. Other good sources of purine are veal, anchovies, scallops, pheasant, turkey, grouse, haddock, partridge, salmon, veal, trout, kidney, liver and bacon. The uric acid crystals are analogous to needles, which result in pain. They appear in the connective tissue or in the spaces between the bones.

A healthy and balanced diet helps to overcome weakness. Increase in uric acid production results in increase in uric acid levels. Complete abstinence from alcoholic beverages helps. A low protein and high fiber diet is helpful. Protein should contribute about fifteen percent of calories, in the form of lean cuts of meat, poultry, and soy and so on. Complex carbohydrates in the form of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and cereals and so on are useful. Less than thirty per cent of calories should be by fat. Animal fats should be less than ten percent. Coffee, tea, chocolate and cocoa are the beverages that are permitted.

Fruits that prove beneficial are tangerines, tomatoes, blueberries, bananas, fresh cherries, strawberries, oranges, mandarins and so on. Certain vegetables, like red cabbage, parsley, green leafy vegetables, kale, red bell pepper and potato are effective foods for high uric acid levels.