How to Reduce High Levels of Uric Acid

Hyperuricemia is characterized by high levels of uric acid in your blood. Uric acid is a waste product that is created as your body metabolizes purine, a substance that is both made within your body and found in many of the foods you eat. Uric acid is eliminated from your body in your urine; however, high levels of uric acid can result in the formation of uric acid crystals that accumulate within your tissues and joints, causing significant problems such as gout (inflammation and pain in the joints) or kidney stones. Reducing your uric acid levels will prevent these complications.

Instructions

Bringing the Levels Down

• 1

  Tell your doctor about all of the medications that you currently take, including over-the-counter medications. Drugs such as diuretics, low-dose aspirin, blood pressure medications and some immune suppressing drugs can cause high concentrations of uric acid. Also talk to your doctor about the vitamins and supplements you are taking. Some vitamins, such as niacin or B-3, may elevate uric acid levels.

• 2

  Adopt a healthy diet and exercise regimen to help you lose weight. Obesity is a risk factor for developing hyperuricemia.

• 3

  Avoid foods with have a high purine concentration such as organ meats (liver, for example), gravy, game meat, herring, anchovies, meat extracts, mushrooms, beans, lentils, oatmeal, cauliflower, asparagus, cauliflower and spinach.

• 4

  Stick with a low-purine diet, which may include milk, fruit, nuts, peanut butter, green vegetables, eggs, refined cereal, pasta, tapioca, breads, lettuce, fruit juice and cream soup made without meat-based stock.

• 5

  Avoid alcoholic beverages and caffeine. Both substances can cause high levels of uric acid. Drink two or three liters of water daily to ensure proper hydration.

• 6

  Follow the directions for any medications you are taking to reduce your levels of uric acid. Medications that are commonly prescribed include uricosuric drugs (such as probenecid or sulfinpyrazone) which work in your body to prevent uric acid crystals from depositing into your tissues. Other medications that may be prescribed are xanthine oxidase inhibitors (such as allopurinol), which may prevent gout.