How to Control Uric Acid Buildup

Uric acid is a byproduct of protein metabolism and is secreted by the kidneys. When too much uric acid builds up in the system as a result of protein consumption, the kidneys become overloaded and can't remove the excess from the body. It can deposit in the small joints, causing a painful form of arthritis known as gout, and in the kidneys, causing kidney stones. Several conventional drugs are used to control uric acid, but these have significant side effects. Controlling uric acid can be accomplished safely in a variety of natural ways, reducing pain and helping gout patients.

Instructions

How to Control Uric Acid Buildup

1

Limit foods containing purines. Purines are found in all sources of protein, especially red meats, organ meat, smoked meats, shellfish and dark-colored fish. Purines are one of the main causes of excess uric acid buildup. Choose foods lower in purines like eggs and tofu as substitutes.

2

Reduce animal fats from your diet. They are another source of purines. Eating low-fat dairy products will help to limit uric acid production and gout flareups.

3

Alkalinize your system by eating tiny grains instead of wheat and white flour products. Try quinoa, amaranth and millet, which can be prepared as rice and come in flours for baking. In his book, "Alkalinize or Die," Dr. Theodore A. Baroody discusses how to create an alkaline environment, enabling the blood and urine to become less acidic and encouraging excess uric acid to be flushed more easily by the kidneys.

4

Drink lots of water every day. Aim for half your body weight in ounces of water. Thus, a person weighing 150 pounds needs 75 ounces of water daily. This will help flush waste from the system and aid the kidneys in elimination.

5

Add extra fruits and vegetables to your diet, organic if possible. Buy a juicer and make fresh fruit and vegetable juices. Fruits and vegetables are mostly alkaline and high in potassium, aiding the body by helping to keep the blood and urine alkaline.

6

Drink organic, tart cherry juice. Very high in potassium, this lovely red juice helps to keep the system in an alkaline state and offers relief to many gout sufferers. It's available in health food stores.

7

Use baking soda mixed in water to neutralize an acidic state in the body. According to the Sisters of St. Joseph of Peace, baking soda helps to prevent uric acid kidney stones. Mix teaspoon baking soda with 8 ounces water. Repeat up to a maximum 3 teaspoons a day for a few days during a gout attack or use preventively once or twice a day.

8

Drink organic, apple cider vinegar, which is high in potassium, and unprocessed honey to control uric acid buildup in the body by alkalinizing the urine. Combine 1 teaspoon vinegar with 2 teaspoons of honey in 8 ounces of water twice a day.