Natural Ways to Reduce Uric Acid in the Body

 Limit purine-rich foods

 Avoid sugar

 Avoid alcohol

 Lose weight

 Balance insulin

 Add fiber

 Reduce stress

 Check medications and supplements

 Takeaway

Overview
Uric acid is a natural waste product from the digestion of foods that contain purines.
Purines are found in high levels in some foods such as:
 certain meats
 sardines
 dried beans
 beer
Purines are also formed and broken down in your body.
Normally, your body filters out uric acid through your kidneys and in urine. If you
consume too much purine in your diet, or if your body can’t get rid of this by-product fast
enough, uric acid can build up in your blood.
A high uric acid level is known as hyperuricemia. This can lead to a disease
called gout that causes painful joints that accumulate urate crystals. It can also make
your blood and urine too acidic.
Uric acid can collect in your body for many reasons. Some of these are:
 diet
  genetics
 obesity or being overweight
 stress
Certain health disorders can also lead to high uric acid levels:
 kidney disease
 diabetes mellitus
 hypothyroidism
 some types of cancers or chemotherapy
 psoriasis
Read on to learn how you can lower uric acid levels in your body naturally.

Limit purine-rich foods

You can limit the source of uric acid in your diet. Purine-rich foods include some types
of meat, seafood, and vegetables. All of these foods give off uric acid when they’re
digested.
Avoid or reduce your intake of foods such as:
 organ meats
 pork
 turkey
 fish and shellfish
 scallops
 mutton
 veal
 cauliflower
 green peas
 dried beans
 mushrooms
Find tips for following a low-purine diet here.

Avoid sugar
Sugary foods
While uric acid is usually linked to protein-rich foods, recent studies show that sugar
may also be a potential cause. Added sugars to food include table sugar, corn syrup,
and high fructose corn syrup, among others.
The sugar fructose is a main type of simple sugar in processed and refined
foods. Researchers have found that this type of sugar in particular could lead to high
levels of uric acid.
Check food labels for added sugars. Eating more whole foods and fewer refined
packaged foods can also help you cut out sugars while allowing you to intake a more
wholesome diet.
Sugary beverages
Sugary drinks, soda, and even fresh fruit juices are concentrated with fructose and
glucose-containing sugar.
You’ll also want to keep in mind that high-fructose corn syrup contains a mix of fructose
and glucose, usually with 55 percent fructose and 42 percent glucose. This is similar to
the ratio of 50 percent fructose and 50 percent glucose in table sugar.
Fructose from refined sugar in juice or other foods is absorbed faster than sugar from
foods that have a natural makeup that need to be broken down in your body. The faster
absorption of refined sugars spikes your blood sugar levels and also leads to higher
amounts of uric acid.
Replace sugary drinks with filtered water and fiber-rich smoothies.
Drink more water
Drinking plenty of fluids helps your kidneys flush out uric acid faster. Keep a water bottle
with you at all times. Set an alarm every hour to remind you to take a few sips.

Avoid alcohol
Drinking alcohol can make you more dehydrated. It can also trigger high uric acid levels.
This happens because your kidneys must first filter out products that occur in the blood
due to alcohol instead of uric acid and other wastes.
Some types of alcoholic drinks such as beer are also high in purines.

Lose weight
Along with your diet, extra pounds can raise uric acid levels. Fat cells make more uric
acid than muscle cells. Additionally, carrying extra pounds makes it harder for your
kidneys to filter out uric acid. Losing weight too quickly can also affect levels.
If you’re overweight, it’s best to avoid fad diets and crash dieting. Talk to a nutritionist
about a healthy diet and weight loss plan that you can follow. Your doctor can
recommend a healthy weight goal for your body type.

Balance insulin levels

Have your blood sugar level checked when you visit your doctor. This is important even
if you don’t have diabetes mellitus.
Adults with type 2 diabetes may have too much insulin in their bloodstream. This
hormone is necessary to move sugar from your blood into your cells where it can power
every bodily function. However, too much insulin leads to excess uric acid in the body,
as well as weight gain.
Individuals with a condition called prediabetes may also have high insulin levels and a
higher risk for type 2 diabetes.
Your doctor may want to check your serum insulin level in addition to your blood
glucose level if insulin resistance is suspected.

Add more fiber to your diet

Eating more fiber will help your body get rid of uric acid. Fiber can also help balance
your blood sugar and insulin levels. It also tends to increase satiety, helping to lower the
risk of overeating.
Add at least 5 to 10 grams of soluble fiber a day with whole foods such as:
 fresh, frozen, or dried fruit
 fresh or frozen vegetables
 oats
 nuts
 barley

Reduce stress
Stress, poor sleeping habits, and too little exercise can increase inflammation.
Inflammation may set off a high uric acid level.
Practice mindful techniques such as breathing exercises and yoga to help you cope with
your stress levels. Join a class or use an app that reminds you to breathe and stretch
several times a day.
Practice good sleep hygiene such as:
 avoiding digital screens for two to three hours before bedtime
 sleeping and waking at consistent times every day
 avoiding caffeine after lunchtime
Talk to your doctor if you have insomnia or difficulty staying asleep.

Check your medications and supplements

Some medications and supplements can also cause uric acid to build up in the blood.
These include:
 aspirin
 vitamin B-3 (niacin)
 diuretics
 immune-suppressing drugs
 chemotherapy drugs
If you need to take any of these medications and you have hyperuricemia, your doctor
can work with you to figure out a good alternative.

The takeaway
Diet, exercise, and other healthy lifestyle changes can improve gout and other illnesses
caused by high uric acid levels. However, they can’t always replace necessary medical
treatment.
Take all prescribed medications as directed by your doctor. The right combination of
diet, exercise, and medications can help keep symptoms at bay.
It may seem as if there a lot of foods you need to avoid to help lower uric acid levels.
The best way to limit these foods is by making a weekly meal plan. Talk to your
nutritionist for help in making the best diet plan for you.
Keep a list of foods on your shopping list that you should eat, rather than what you can’t
eat. Stick to the list as you grocery shop. You can also join an online support group for
people with uric acid-related illnesses for more ideas on how to prepare the best meals
for you.
Last medically reviewed on March 11, 2019
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FEEDBACK:

Medically reviewed by Stacy Sampson, D.O. — Written by Noreen Iftikhar,

MD — Updated on March 11, 2019
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Is Broccoli Good for Gout?

 Benefits
 Foods & gout

 Foods to eat

 Foods to avoid

 Takeaway

Share on Pinterest
Gout is a painful form of arthritis that you can often manage by watching your diet.
Diet goals for gout include avoiding foods high in uric acid because eating these foods
can worsen symptoms.
Fortunately, there’s lots of healthy and delicious foods out there that are low in uric acid.
Broccoli is one of them. Here’s why broccoli is a good option for people living with gout.

Why broccoli is good for gout

Broccoli has a lot of things going for it when it comes to gout prevention:
 Low in purines. Purines are a precursor to uric acid that can contribute to gout.
In a 2014 study on the amount of purines in foods, broccoli had about 70
milligrams (mg) of purines per 100 grams (g). The study’s authors placed broccoli
in the low purines group — very high purine foods have more than 300 mg per
 100 g. This means broccoli is a good choice for those with gout (and for most
people trying to eat a healthy diet).
 High in vitamin C. Eating foods high in vitamin C can help reduce gout attacks,
according to the Arthritis Foundation. Vitamin C helps to reduce uric acid levels in
the body.
 High antioxidant activity. Broccoli contains many antioxidant compounds
(inflammation fighters). A healthy diet that contains broccoli could help fight many
chronic diseases, including gout, according to 2015 researchTrusted Source.
Whether you prefer the stems or the florets, all broccoli parts contain nutritious
compounds that are beneficial for those with gout. You can serve broccoli on its own or
add it to omelets, casseroles, stir-fry’s, or other dishes.

How food affects gout

Gout is the result of a condition doctors call hyperuricemia. This is when you have too
much uric acid present in your body. The excess uric acid starts to collect in your joints,
tissues, and body fluids. As a result, some people develop gout symptoms.
The body breaks down purines from foods into uric acid. While your diet isn’t the only
factor that increases the risk for gout, it’s one you can easily change.
Other risk factors for gout include:
 being male
 obesity
 having chronic health conditions, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, poor
kidney function, or congestive heart failure
 taking medications known to increase purines, such as diuretics that reduce the
amount of water in the body
Preventing future gout attacks often requires a combination of lifestyle changes and
sometimes medications. If you aren’t sure where to start, making dietary changes and
talking to your doctor can help.

Gout-friendly foods
Low purine foods
Most healthy foods are also gout-friendly. Some of the best choices for reducing gout
risk include:
  cherries, which contain special pigments called anthocyanins that can help fight
gout
 coffee
 foods high in vitamin C, such as grapefruit, oranges, pineapples, and
strawberries
 low-fat dairy products, such as milk and yogurt, which may promote uric acid
excretion
 vegetables, such as beans, peas, lentils, and tofu
In addition to eating gout-friendly foods, drinking plenty of water can help you fight gout.
Drinking between 8 to 13 cups of water a day can help to flush uric acid through your
body.
Foods with moderate amounts of purines
Some foods are moderate in purines. These are foods you shouldn’t eat in excess, but
are usually okay to eat once or twice a day.
Examples include:
 asparagus
 cauliflower
 lunch meats
 mushrooms
 oatmeal
 spinach
Low-sodium diets with fruits, veggies, and grains
Doctors have found low-sodium diets high in fruits, vegetables, nuts, low-fat dairy, and
whole grains help to reduce the incidence of gout.
A 2017 studyTrusted Source that compared the Dietary Approaches to Stop
Hypertension (DASH) diet with a traditional Western diet that contains alcohol and red
or processed meats found people who followed the DASH diet had a lower risk for gout.

Foods to avoid if you have gout

First things first: We aren’t telling you to completely avoid high-purine foods — but
restricting them in your diet can often help reduce gout symptoms.
Research backs this up. A 2014 study of people and their dietsTrusted Source found
that those with the highest amounts of purines in their diet had more gout attacks.
Those with the lowest amounts had fewer attacks.
Foods high in purines
The following foods are high in purines:
 alcoholic beverages, especially beer
 organ meats such as liver
 red meats such as beef and venison
 seafood such as shrimp or scallops
 shellfish such as oysters or mussels
 sugar-sweetened soft drinks and fruit juices
Reserving these foods for special occasions can help.

Key takeaways
Diet is a lifestyle factor that you can adjust when you have gout. Avoiding foods high in
purines can help — so can eating a healthy, low-sodium diet that includes veggies like
broccoli.
If you experience repeat gout attacks, talk to your doctor about other treatment
options that can help.
Last medically reviewed on October 9, 2019
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 FEEDBACK:

Medically reviewed by Brenda B. Spriggs, M.D., MPH, FACP — Written by Rachel Nall,

MSN, CRNA on October 9, 2019
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Home Remedies for Kidney Stones: What Works?

 Water

 Lemon juice

 Basil juice

 Apple cider vinegar

 Celery juice

 Pomegranate juice

 Kidney bean broth

 Other natural remedies

 Dandelion root juice

 Wheatgrass juice

 Horsetail juice

 See your doctor

 Takeaway
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Staying hydrated is key
Drinking plenty of fluids is a vital part of passing kidney stones and preventing new
stones from forming. Not only does the liquid flush out toxins, but it also helps move
stones and grit through your urinary tract.
Although water alone may be enough to do the trick, adding certain ingredients can be
beneficial. Be sure to drink one 8-ounce glass of water immediately after drinking any
flavored remedy. This can help move the ingredients through your system.
Talk to your doctor before getting started with any of the home remedies listed below.
They can assess whether home treatment is right for you or if it could lead to additional
complications.
If you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, avoid using any remedies. Your doctor can
determine whether a juice may cause side effects for you or your baby.

1. Water
When passing a stone, upping your water intake can help speed up the process. Strive
for 12 glasses of water per day instead of the usual 8.
Once the stone passes, you should continue to drink 8 to 12 glasses of water each
day. Dehydration is one of the main risk factors for kidney stones, and the last thing you
want is for more to form.
Pay attention to the color of your urine. It should be a very light, pale yellow. Dark yellow
urine is a sign of dehydration.

2. Lemon juice
You can add freshly squeezed lemons to your water as often as you like. Lemons
contain citrate, which is a chemical that prevents calcium stones from forming. Citrate
can also break up small stones, allowing them to pass more easily.
A great deal of lemons would be needed to make a huge effect, but some can help a
little.
Lemon juice has numerous other health benefits. For example, it helps inhibit bacteria
growth and provides vitamin C.

3. Basil juice
Basil contains acetic acid, which helps break down the kidney stones and reduce pain.
It’s also full of nutrients. This remedy has been used traditionally for digestive and
inflammatory disorders.
There are antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents in basil juice, and it may help
maintain kidney health.
Use fresh or dried basil leaves to make a tea and drink several cups per day. You may
also juice fresh basil in a juicer or add it to a smoothie.
You shouldn’t use medicinal basil juice for more than 6 weeks at a time. Extended use
may lead to:
 low blood sugar
 low blood pressure
 increased bleeding
There’s very little research on how effective basil is for kidney stones, but it does
have anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory properties.

4. Apple cider vinegar

Apple cider vinegar contains acetic acid. Acetic acid helps dissolve kidney stones.
In addition to flushing out the kidneys, apple cider vinegar can help ease pain caused by
the stones. There are numerous other health benefits of apple cider vinegar.
One lab study found that apple cider vinegar was effective in helping reduce the
formation of kidney stones, though more studies are needed. But because of the
numerous other health benefits, there’s probably little risk.
Shop for apple cider vinegar online.
To reap these benefits, add 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar to 6 to 8 ounces of
purified water. Drink this mixture throughout the day.
You shouldn’t consume more than one 8-ounce glass of this mixture per day. You can
also use it on salads straight or add it to your favorite salad dressing.
If ingested in larger amounts, apple cider vinegar can lead to low levels of
potassium and osteoporosis.
People with diabetes should exercise caution when drinking this mixture. Monitor your
blood sugar levels carefully throughout the day.
You shouldn’t drink this mixture if you’re taking:
 insulin
  digoxin (Digox)
 diuretics, such as spironolactone (Aldactone)

5. Celery juice
Celery juice is thought to clear away toxins that contribute to kidney stone formation and
has long been used in traditional medications. It also helps flush out the body so you
can pass the stone.
Blend one or more celery stalks with water, and drink the juice throughout the day.
You shouldn’t drink this mixture if you have:
 any bleeding disorder
 low blood pressure
 a scheduled surgery
You also shouldn’t drink this mixture if you’re taking:
 levothyroxine (Synthroid)
 lithium (Lithane)
 medications that increase sun sensitivity, such as isotretinoin (Sotret)
 sedative medications, such as alprazolam (Xanax)

6. Pomegranate juice
Pomegranate juice has been used for centuries to improve overall kidney function. It will
flush stones and other toxins from your system. It’s packed with antioxidants, which help
keep the kidneys healthy and may have a role in preventing kidney stones from
developing.
It also lowers your urine’s acidity level. Lower acidity levels reduce your risk for future
kidney stones.
Pomegranate juice’s effect on preventing kidney stones needs to be better studied, but
there does appear to be some benefit in taking pomegranate extract, lowering the risk of
stones.
There’s no limit to how much pomegranate juice you can drink throughout the day.
You shouldn’t drink pomegranate juice if you’re taking:
 medications changed by the liver
 blood pressure medications, such as chlorothiazide (Diuril)
 rosuvastatin (Crestor)
7. Kidney bean broth
The broth from cooked kidney beans is a traditional dish, often used in India, that has
been used to improve overall urinary and kidney health. It also helps dissolve and flush
out the stones. Simply strain the liquid from cooked beans and drink a few glasses
throughout the day.

Other natural remedies

The following home remedies may contain ingredients that aren’t already in your
kitchen. You should be able to buy them from your local health food store or online.

8. Dandelion root juice

Dandelion root is a kidney tonic that stimulates the production of bile. This is thought to
help eliminate waste, increase urine output, and improve digestion. Dandelions have
vitamins (A, B, C, D) and minerals such as potassium, iron, and zinc.
One studyTrusted Source showed that dandelion is effective in preventing the formation
of kidney stones.
You can make fresh dandelion juice or buy it as a tea. If you make it fresh, you may also
add orange peel, ginger, and apple to taste. Drink 3 to 4 cups throughout the day.
Some people experience heartburn when they eat dandelion or its parts.
You shouldn’t drink this mixture if you’re taking:
 blood thinners
 antacids
 antibiotics
 lithium
 diuretics, such as spironolactone (Aldactone)
Talk to your doctor before taking dandelion root extract, as it can interact with many
medications.

9. Wheatgrass juice
Wheatgrass is packed with many nutrients and has long been used to enhance health.
Wheatgrass increases urine flow to help pass the stones. It also contains vital nutrients
that help cleanse the kidneys.
You can drink 2 to 8 ounces of wheatgrass juice per day. To prevent side effects, start
with the smallest amount possible and gradually work your way up to 8 ounces.
If fresh wheatgrass juice isn’t available, you can take powdered wheatgrass
supplements as directed.
Taking wheatgrass on an empty stomach can reduce your risk for nausea. In some
cases, it may cause appetite loss and constipation.

10. Horsetail juice

Horsetail has been used to increase urine flow to help to flush out kidney stones and
can soothe swelling and inflammation. It also has antibacterial and antioxidant
properties that aid in overall urinary health.
However, you shouldn’t use horsetail for more than 6 weeks at a time. There are
dangers of seizures, decreased levels of B vitamins, and loss of potassium.
You shouldn’t use horsetail if you take lithium, diuretics, or heart medications such as
digoxin.
Horsetail isn’t recommended for children and pregnant or breastfeeding women.
Horsetail contains nicotine and shouldn’t be taken if you’re using a nicotine patch or
trying to quit smoking.
You also shouldn’t drink horsetail juice if you have:
 alcohol use disorder
 diabetes
 low potassium levels
 low thiamine levels

When to see your doctor

See your doctor if you’re unable to pass your stone within 6 weeks or you begin
experiencing severe symptoms that include:
 severe pain
 blood in your urine
 fever
 chills
 nausea
 vomiting
Your doctor will determine whether you need medication or any other therapy to help
you pass the stone.

The bottom line

Although it may be uncomfortable, it’s possible to pass a kidney stone on your own.
You can take over-the-counter pain relievers to lessen any pain you may be
experiencing. These include acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen (Advil), or naproxen
(Aleve).
Be sure to continue treatment until the stone passes, and don’t drink alcohol.
Once you pass a kidney stone, you may want to save it to take to your doctor for
testing. To save the stone, you need to strain your urine. You can do this using a urine
screen, which you can get from the doctor’s office. Your doctor can determine what kind
of stone it is and help develop a targeted prevention plan.
You might add these remedies to your usual regimen and continue use after the stone
passes. This may help prevent more stones from forming.
Be sure to talk to your doctor before taking medications or herbs.
Herbs aren’t regulated for quality and purity by the FDA, so research your choices and
sources for purchase. A recent analysis of 27 different supplements for kidney health
found that two-thirds of them included ingredients that have no research to support their
use.
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