Every day, our bodies produce uric acid as a byproduct of breaking down purines, which are substances we get from foods and drinks we consume. Normally, our kidneys eliminate uric acid from our bloodstream and expel it from our bodies via urine.

However, when our bodies produce more uric acid than our kidneys can eliminate, it accumulates in our bloodstream, forming crystals that embed in our joints, leading to a painful condition called gout. High levels of uric acid in our bloodstream can also lead to the development of kidney stones and other health problems.

What Causes High Uric Acid?

There are several factors that can cause high levels of uric acid in our bodies, including:.

Diet: Consuming foods and drinks that are high in purines, such as red meat, seafood, alcoholic beverages, and sugary drinks, can increase uric acid levels in our bodies.
Obesity: Being overweight or obese can lead to a higher production of uric acid and a decreased ability of our kidneys to eliminate it from our bodies.
Medical Conditions: Certain medical conditions, such as hypertension, diabetes, and kidney disease, can lead to high levels of uric acid in our bodies.
Medications: Certain medications, such as diuretics and immunosuppressants, can increase uric acid levels in our bodies.

How to Lower Uric Acid Levels?

If you have high levels of uric acid in your bloodstream, there are several strategies you can use to lower them:.

Dietary Changes: Avoid or limit foods and drinks that are high in purines, and consume more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat dairy products. Drinking plenty of water and avoiding sugary drinks, alcohol, and caffeine can also help.
Weight Loss: Losing weight and maintaining a healthy weight can decrease the production of uric acid in your body and improve your kidney function.
Exercise: Regular exercise can help you lose weight and maintain a healthy weight, improve your kidney function, and decrease the production of uric acid in your body.
Medication: Your doctor may prescribe medication to lower your uric acid levels, such as allopurinol, febuxostat, probenecid, or lesinurad.

Home Remedies for Uric Acid Control

There are several home remedies that can help you control uric acid levels:.

Cherries: Eat cherries or drink cherry juice to reduce inflammation and pain caused by gout. Cherries contain anthocyanins, which are antioxidants that may lower uric acid levels in our bodies.
Apple Cider Vinegar: Mix apple cider vinegar with water and honey and drink it daily to alkalize your body and reduce uric acid levels.
Ginger: Add ginger to your meals or drink ginger tea to reduce inflammation and pain caused by gout. Ginger contains gingerols, which are antioxidants that may lower uric acid levels in our bodies.
Lemon Juice: Mix lemon juice with water and drink it daily to alkalize your body and reduce uric acid levels.
Baking Soda: Mix baking soda with water and drink it to alkalize your body and reduce uric acid levels.
Celery Seeds: Eat celery or consume celery seed extract to reduce inflammation and pain caused by gout. Celery contains a compound called 3-n-butylphthalide, which may lower uric acid levels in our bodies.

Preventing Uric Acid Buildup in the Body

You can prevent uric acid buildup in your body by:.

Drinking Plenty of Water: Drinking at least 8 glasses of water every day can help your kidneys eliminate uric acid from your body.
Maintaining a Healthy Weight: Maintaining a healthy weight can decrease the production of uric acid in your body and improve your kidney function.
Exercising Regularly: Regular exercise can help you lose weight and maintain a healthy weight, improve your kidney function, and decrease the production of uric acid in your body.
Avoiding or Limiting Certain Foods and Drinks: Avoid or limit foods and drinks that are high in purines, such as red meat, seafood, alcoholic beverages, and sugary drinks.

Conclusion

Uric acid is a normal byproduct of our body’s metabolism, but high levels of it can lead to gout, kidney stones, and other health problems.

Fortunately, there are several strategies you can use to lower your uric acid levels and prevent uric acid buildup in your body, including dietary changes, weight loss, exercise, medication, and home remedies. By taking steps to control your uric acid levels and prevent uric acid buildup, you can improve your overall health and avoid painful and debilitating conditions like gout and kidney stones.