[toc]Uric acid is a chemical compound that is produced when the body metabolizes purines present in foods such as meat, alcohol and beans. When the body breaks down purines by making use of xanthine oxidase (XO), it results in the production of uric acid. If high amounts of uric acid begin to accumulate in the bloodstream, it will get deposited in tissues and joints.
This may lead to a number of ailments, including gout. It is also a risk factor for conditions such as diabetes and cancer. There are a number of natural cures that are regarded beneficial for decreasing the presence of uric acid. Given below is a list of natural cures for uric acid.
7 Natural Cures For Uric Acid
Fresh Lemon Juice
Fresh lemon juice is a powerful home remedy for reducing uric acid in the blood. This is because fresh lemon juice increases the formation of calcium carbonate in the body, which in turn decreases uric acid levels. Calcium carbonate neutralizes the acidity levels in blood, including uric acid. Additionally, lemon is also a good source of vitamin C, which strengthens connective tissue and prevents damage due to uric acid crystals.
The presence of citric acid in lemon juice plays the role of a solvent, which dissolves uric acid crystals, thereby decreasing serum uric acid in the bloodstream. You should try to drink two-three glasses of fresh lime juice daily for reducing uric acid levels.
Fevervine is a natural cure that is often used for reducing uric acid in the bloodstream. Native to China, Korea and Japan, Fevervine has been used for treating arthritis, rheumatism and pain ailments. The active ingredients present in fevervine include flavonoids, sterols, iridoids, triterpenes, and essential oils. These active components of fevervine exhibit very strong antiviral, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity.
A number of research studies have also thrown light on the diuretic properties of fevervine. According to a research study published in “Planta Medica”, lab animals that were given fevervine extract experienced significant decrease in uric acid levels.
This is because fevervine inhibits XO activity inside the liver. You should speak to your doctor before combining fevervine with medications for reducing uric acid. Fevervine is available at many health stores as tablets, tincture or capsules for reducing uric acid levels.
Diet is an important factor, when it comes to reducing uric acid levels. Individuals suffering from high uric acid levels should consume lot of water. This is because water helps to flush out uric acid via urine. Medical experts recommend drinking 14-16 glasses of water daily.
Limit your daily intake of meat, as it contains high amounts of uric acid. Kidney, herring, liver, sardines, mackerel, and salmon are examples of foods with high uric acid. Eliminate intake of alcohol as it prevents the body from getting rid of uric acid. You should add fruits and vegetables to your diet, however, you should only include those that do not contain high amounts of purines.
Orange, apple, banana, pumpkin, and broccoli contain low levels of purines, however, foods such as spinach, cauliflower, asparagus and mushroom are loaded with purines. Other foods that are good for reducing uric acid include rice, cereal, bread, whole grains and pasta. Low-fat dairy is also suitable as it decreases uric acid in the blood.
Silver Birch is an herb that is found mostly in Africa, Europe, and some parts of Asia. The flower, leaves, inner bark and sap are mostly used for preparing food dishes. These parts are also utilized by traditional healers for treating conditions such as rheumatism, gout, urinary tract infection, and edema. Some of the active components of silver birch include steroidal saponins, flavonoid glycosides, methyl salicylate and resins.
These chemical components of silver birch display very strong anti-inflammatory and diuretic activity inside the body. The effectiveness of silver birch for reducing uric acid has also been examined by a number of researchers.
According to a research study printed in “Journal of Ethnopharmacology”, it was observed that Silver birch is the most potent XO inhibitor among 84 different extracts from 27 plants. Researchers believe that silver birch decreases XO production due to the presence of salicylates. This natural cure should not be used by those who suffer from high blood pressure or are pregnant.
Celery is another potent natural cure for decreasing uric acid. The seeds of this plant have been utilized for treating symptoms of arthritis, rheumatism and gout. In certain cases, celery is also used for treating anxiety, sleeplessness, and nervous breakdown.
Celery comprises of active ingredients that display very strong anti-inflammatory and diuretic properties. This helps to flush out excess uric acid from the body in the form of urine. Sometimes, the root of celery is also used for herbal preparations for decreasing uric acid.
Devil’s claw is another powerful natural cure for reducing uric acid in the bloodstream. This herbal remedy helps to increase metabolizing of uric acid in the blood, which in turn decreases uric acid build-up inside the body. The active ingredient in devil’s claw, which is responsible for reducing uric acid, is harpagonside.
Medical experts recommend using devil’s claw that contains 1.5 percent harpagoside for reducing uric acid in the bloodstream. You should not use devil’s claw if you suffer from heart disease or pregnant. If you develop any allergic symptoms due to devil’s claw, stop using it and speak to your doctor.
Indigenous cinnamon is a tree that grows mostly in Taiwan. The root and bark of this tree are often used for medicinal preparations for treating conditions caused by fungus or bacteria. This herbal remedy is also highly recommended for reducing uric acid in the bloodstream. Indigenous cinnamon comprises of an essential oil called cinnamaldehyde, which exhibits potent anti-inflammatory and diuretic properties.
According to a research study published in “Phytomedicine”, it was observed that lab mice who were given this essential oil experienced significant reduction in uric acid levels as it inhibits XO production. However, individuals who take blood-thinning drugs should not use indigenous cinnamon, as it may result in certain adverse effects.