7 Foods That Increase Uric Acid Levels
When uric acid levels accumulate in the bloodstream, it can lead to arthritis. The fluid that builds up in your joints can cause inflammation and pain.
Some foods contain a lot of purines that increase your level of uric acid in the bloodstream. Getting regular blood tests and keeping a balanced diet are two of the keys to preventing this problem.
Foods that increase uric acid levels
1. Seafood
These foods are rich in purines, so you should eat them in moderation if you have a high content of uric acid. Among them are crabs, shrimp, oysters and mussels.
Foods from this group should be avoided in both fresh and canned forms, as even the processed shellfish can increase the uric acid content in the blood.
2. Red meat
This is the food that is most responsible for an increase in uric acid levels. You should avoid it completely if you have a problem with this drug. Pork and beef both contain large amounts of purines. Fatty meats, minced meats, kidneys and offal are other culprits.
Legumes
Lentils, chickpeas and beans are known for their high concentrations of purines, so people with high uric acid content should limit their consumption to only once or twice a week.
4. Certain vegetables
Some vegetables you should eat moderately or avoid if you have problems with uric acid, these include: asparagus, mushrooms, cauliflower, spinach, radishes and leeks.
5. Alcohol
Beer is actually more harmful to people with high uric acid levels than seafood or red meat. This is because it increases your body’s production of this acid and makes elimination more difficult. Experts recommend avoiding beer if you suffer from arthritis.
6. Sugary drinks and sweet desserts
Soft drinks and processed fruit juices contain corn syrup, which will stimulate the production of uric acid. Also industrial cakes, cookies, cookies and the like are filled with sugar that will aggravate your condition.
7. Coffee
If you drink too much coffee, it can be harmful to your health, so it is best to drink only one or two cups a day.
Symptoms of high uric acid levels
When your level gets very high, you experience arthritis and kidney stones. The most common symptoms are:
- Pain in the big toe
- Intense pain and inflammation in the joints
- Problems letting go of the water
- A galloping pulse
- Pain in the knees
- Kidney stone
- Fatigue
- Hard lumps around the joint areas
A doctor should make the correct diagnosis and prescribe a course of treatment that will include changes in your diet.
Treatments for high uric acid levels
The pain can be very bothersome, but there are certain things you can do to remedy the problem, e.g. Apply cold compresses to your sore joints.
- A doctor may prescribe non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, which can be a great relief.
- They may recommend starting medications at low doses and increasing them over time, as prescribed.
- Your treatment can take between six and 12 months.
- During this period, take care of your diet and get regular light to moderate exercise.
Lower uric acid levels through the diet
This diet contains protein that comes mainly from dairy products and eggs. You can include rabbit as a source of meat if you want, which has a low purine content and low cholesterol.
Breakfast
- 1 cup skim milk
- 2 slices of wholemeal bread
- Morning snack
- 1 banana
Lunch
- Gnocchi with tomato sauce
- Grilled corvine (white fish)
- Pie
- Afternoon snack
- 1 slice of watermelon
Dinner
- Eggplant Parmesan
- Salad made with tomato, carrots and basil
- You can mix the ingredients together as you like as long as you remember to balance protein, vegetables, fruits and whole grains. Keep the fat content low.
Remember: This article is intended to be informative and should not replace a physician’s recommendations.
They may also recommend a different diet if your uric acid levels are far above normal.
Take care of your health – that’s the most important thing you have! No one but you can do this.