Struggling With High Uric Acid? Here’s What You Need To Do
If you've been experiencing joint pain, sudden swelling in your feet, or unusual stiffness in the morning, you might be dealing with high uric acid. Medically known as hyperuricemia, this condition is often dismissed as a minor issue.
Elevated uric acid can quietly wreak havoc on your body, increasing the risk for gout, kidney stones, and even health diseases if not managed and treated properly. But the good news? With the right kind of medical guidance and lifestyle tweaks, this condition can be effectively managed, often without the need of any medication.
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What Causes Uric Acid Levels To Spike?
There are several lifestyle and health factors that contribute to rising uric acid levels. Surprisingly, they're more common than you think. Poor dietary choices, sedentary habits, and even stress can tip the balance. But the key offenders often lie hidden in our daily plates and glasses.
"Elevated uric acid (hyperuricemia) is increasingly common in India. The most frequent contributing factors are dietary habits: high intake of purine-rich foods such as red meat, seafood, organ meats, and sugary beverages—especially those sweetened with fructose," says Dr. Vaibhav Tiwari, Consultant, Nephrologist, Sir Gangaram Hospital, Delhi.
Foods To Avoid If You Have High Uric Acid
The major and most important step to tackle hyperuricemia is addressing your diet. While many foods are harmless to most people, they can be problematic if your body struggles to flush out excess uric acid.
Here's what you should consider minimising or cutting out-
- Red meat and organ meats (like liver and kidneys)
- Seafood, especially shellfish and oily fish
- Sugary soft drinks, especially those with fructose
"Regular use of beer and spirits impairs uric acid excretion," adds Dr. Vaibhav Tiwari.
Foods That Lower Uric Acid Naturally
A low-purine and anti-inflammatory diet can work wonders for people who suffer with high uric acid. These foods not only prevent the build-up of uric acid, but also support kidney function.
Consider adding leafy green and cruciferous vegetables, low-fat dairy products like yogurt, whole grains like quinoa, citrus fruits that are rich in vitamin C, and plenty of water to your daily diet.
Lifestyle Habits That Can Help Control Uric Acid Levels
Diet alone won't help you lead a healthy lifestyle. High uric acid is often linked with obesity, hypertension, and metabolic disorders. An improvement in your overall lifestyle can help reduce the levels of uric acid without relying on pills.
Dr. Vaibhav Tiwari points out, "Excess weight, insulin resistance and high blood pressure reduce the kidneys’ ability to clear uric acid.”
You can start by staying physically active, just 30 minutes of brisk walking, yoga, or light exercise daily can make a big difference. Aim to lose weight gradually, as crash diets can spike uric acid instead of lowering it. Avoid extreme fasting and dehydration, both of which can trigger uric acid buildup.
Highlighting the importance of a healthy lifestyle, Dr. Vaibhav says, "Lifestyle modifications like maintaining a healthy weight, staying hydrated, moderating alcohol and purine-rich foods can help keep uric acid levels in check.”
Regularly monitoring your blood pressure and blood sugar levels is also extremely important. It may help in preventing related complications and supporting better metabolic health overall.
When To See A Doctor
While lifestyle changes can help in most of the cases, but persistent symptoms like swelling, sharp joint pain, and recurring kidney stones require proper medical diagnosis. In such cases, doctors may recommend uric acid-lowering medications based on individual health needs. Avoid self-diagnosing or taking over-the-counter medication without guidance, as it may worsen your condition or delay appropriate treatment.
Dr. Vaibhav further adds, "Diuretics, low-dose aspirin and chronic kidney disease can all hinder uric acid removal. Family history also plays a role in how efficiently one’s body handles uric acid.”
It's important to remember that listening to your body is the first step to long-term wellness. With small, consistent changes in your diet, hydration, and fitness routine, it's absolutely possible to bring your levels under control.
[Disclaimer: The information provided in the article, including treatment suggestions shared by doctors, is intended for general informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.]
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