How to Elminate Uric Acid

Uric acid occurs as a by-product of protein metabolism. If you have an excess amount in your blood, you can suffer a form of arthritis known as gout, in which the uric acid crystallizes, causing tender and swollen joints. You can do several things to reduce the production of uric acid and promote excretion from the body.

Instructions

• 1

  Drink at least eight glasses of water a day. This helps flush uric acid out of the body and prevents remaining acid from crystallizing.

• 2

  Watch your diet. Cut back on foods that promote excess uric acid. These include meat, shellfish, sardines, anchovies, yeast, beans, mushrooms and spinach. Eliminate alcohol and caffeine; they promote uric acid production.

  Eat 1/2 lb. of fresh or frozen cherries for 2 weeks to lower uric acid. Up your intake of high-fiber foods such as whole grains, which will increase the amount of uric acid passed through your stools.

• 3

  Take supplements that improve kidney function, which helps decrease the amount of uric acid in your body. These include IP-6 (inositol hexophosponate) and cranberry extract. You can take 1 to 8 grams of IP-6 daily; consult with an experienced practitioner to determine an appropriate dose for you. Use 300 to 400 mg of cranberry extract daily, or drink 1 to 2 glasses of unsweetened juice. If the juice tastes too tart, dilute it with some water.