If the uric acid levels in your bloodstream are too high, it can lead to a common form of arthritis called gout. You need to watch what you eat, and you have to take proper medication to prevent gout. You need to limit your intake of alcohol, sugary foods, and foods rich in purine, like pulses, seafood, poultry, and meat. You should also avoid eating vegetables such as mushroom, peas, spinach, asparagus, spinach, and cauliflower as these foods also contain very high amounts of purine.
When purine is digested, it leads to the formation of uric acid. And, people who suffer from gout are not able to get rid of purine from their system easily, which results in the accumulation of purine from the blood stream and leads to joint inflammation and pain. You also need to stay away from dark chocolate or cocoa as they contain an alkaloid called theobromine, which has the highest concentration of uric acid per gram than any other food. Here are some of the foods you should consume to keep uric acid at normal levels in your body.
1. Water
If you are suffering from gout, you should make it a point to drink lots and lots of water throughout the day. Water not only hydrates your body but also flushes out toxins from it. Have at least 10 to 12 glasses of water each day to keep gout in check.
2. Cherries And Berries
Cherries contain anti-inflammatory substances called anthocyanins, which help reduce uric acid levels. They prevent the formation of uric acid crystals, which can cause immense pain if they are deposited in the joints. Cherries also prevent inflammation by neutralizing uric acid. Berries like blueberries and strawberries also have anti-inflammatory properties due to which it is essential you include them in your diet.
3. Lime
Lime contains citric acid, which is a natural uric acid solvent. Squeeze half a lime into a glass of water and consume it twice a day.
4. Apple
Apples contain malic acid, which neutralizes the effects of uric acid and thus provides relief to those suffering from gout. You don’t need to eat too many apples, just 1 a day is enough.
5. Green Tea
By drinking green tea on a regular basis, you can prevent the accumulation of excess uric acid in your blood stream, thus, lowering your risk of developing gout. Prepare a cup of warm green tea and have it about 2 to 3 times a day.
6. Alkaline Foods
Alkaline foods increase the alkalinity of your blood, which helps neutralize the effects of uric acid. Some common alkaline foods include tomatoes, broccoli, jowar, bajra, and cucumbers.
7. Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Omega-3 fatty acids reduce inflammation and swelling if you are suffering from gout. Some foods that contain omega-3 fatty acids are walnuts, flax seeds, salmon, mackerel, sardines, and herring.
8. Olive Oil
If you suffer from gout, then it is a good idea to start cooking your food in olive oil. It contains plenty of antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties, which will bring you some relief when you are in pain.
9. Foods High In Vitamin C
You need to consume high amounts of vitamin C when you are suffering from gout as it disintegrates uric acid and expels it out of the body through urine. Some of the good sources of vitamin C are sweet lime, oranges, capsicum, lemon, tomato, kiwi, guava, and green leafy vegetables.
10. Foods High In Fiber
Dietary fiber allows uric acid to be absorbed into your bloodstream, making it easier to eliminate it through the kidneys. Foods like apples, oranges, carrots, cucumbers, oats, broccoli, bananas, celery, strawberries, blueberries, and pears are high-fiber foods that are good for those suffering from gout.
