How to Reduce Uric Acid in the Bloodstream

Uric acid is a byproduct of protein metabolism within the human body. It is released into the bloodstream as a waste product that results when the digestive system breaks down dietary proteins from meat, fish, poultry and many other protein-rich foods. Usually, the kidneys filter uric acid out of the bloodstream and it is excreted in the urine. If uric acid levels get too high, however, the kidneys may not readily excrete all of it. The acid begins to accumulate in the body, specifically in the joints, causing a painful arthritic condition called gout. There are several steps you can take to reduce the uric acid levels in your blood and reduce your risk or alleviate the symptoms of gout.

Instructions

• 1

  Limit foods that are high in purines. Purines naturally occur in almost all foods. Avoiding foods with very high concentrations of purines can lower blood uric acid levels, because when purines are metabolized they are converted into uric acid.

  Fatty fish like mackerel, sardines, herring and anchovies; organ meats such as liver or sweetbreads; and mussels contain high levels of purines. It is best to avoid these foods altogether.

  Chicken, turkey, other types of fish, pork and beef are all moderately high in purines, so while they can still be eaten, it should be done in moderation.

• 2

  Drink plenty of water. Keep yourself hydrated with water and an occasional glass of whole fruit juice, tea or coffee. Liquids help the kidneys to more efficiently remove uric acid from the blood. Steer clear of sugary soda pop or fruit drinks, though, as these products have actually been linked to increases in uric acid levels and gout.

• 3

  Eliminate or greatly reduce alcohol consumption. Alcohol interferes with the kidneys' ability to filter uric acid from the blood and excrete it into the urine. Therefore, it should be avoided so that your body can regulate its uric acid levels.

  Dr. April Chang-Miller of The Mayo Clinic suggests avoiding alcohol altogether if you are having a gout attack, or painful inflammation of the joints due to excess uric acid levels.

• 4

  Lose weight if you are overweight or obese. Being overweight or obese is a common risk factor for high uric acid levels in the blood, which often results in gout. Losing weight is highly advised to lower uric acid levels. However, it should be done using a diet method that is healthy and moderated, as crash-dieting or fasting can exacerbate uric acid levels. Dr. Chang-Miller also warns against the use of low-carbohydrate diets, as these diets contain foods that are high in purines and can make uric acid levels rise.

• 5

  Limit protein and fat intake, and eat plenty of veggies, fruits and whole grains. Patients with high uric acid levels or gout are advised to eat no more than five or six ounces of lean fish, poultry or meat each day. A diet that includes plenty of whole grains, vegetables and fruits is advised for reducing uric acid levels in the blood.