Gout can happen when blood uric acid levels are too high, causing crystals to form in the feet, toes, and other joints. Dietary measures, medications, and supplements can all help reduce uric acid.
Some people need medication to treat gout, but diet and lifestyle changes may also help. Lowering uric acid can reduce the risk of the condition and may even prevent flares.
However, the risk of gout depends on several factors, not just lifestyle. Risk factors include having obesity, being male, and having certain health conditions.
This article reviews natural ways to help lower uric acid levels.
1. Limit purine-rich foods
Purines are compounds that occur naturally in some foods. As the body breaks down purines, it produces uric acid. The process of metabolizing purine-rich foods causes the production of too much uric acid, which may lead to gout.
Some otherwise nutritious foods contain a high amount of purines, which means a person may wish to reduce their intake instead of eliminating them all.
Foods with high purine content include:
- wild game, such as deer (venison)
- trout, tuna, haddock, sardines, anchovies, mussels, and herring
- excess alcohol, including beer and liquor
- high fat foods, such as bacon, dairy products, and red meat, including veal
- organ meats, such as liver and sweetbreads
- sugary foods and beverages
Foods with moderate purine content include:
- deli meats
- most other meat, including ham and beef
- poultry
- oyster, shrimp, crab, and lobster
2. Eat more low purine foods
While some foods have a high purine level, others have a lower level. A person may include them in their diet to help lower their uric acid levels. Some foods with low purine content include:
- low fat and fat-free dairy products
- peanut butter and most nuts
- most fruits and vegetables
- coffee
- whole-grain rice, bread, and potatoes
While dietary changes alone will not eliminate gout, they may help prevent flare-ups. It is also important to note that not everyone who gets gout eats a high purine diet.
3. Avoid medications that raise uric acid levels
Certain medications may elevate uric acid levels. These include:
- diuretic drugs, such as furosemide (Lasix) and hydrochlorothiazide
- drugs that suppress the immune system, especially before or after an organ transplant
- low dose aspirin
Drugs that raise uric acid levels may offer essential health benefits, but people should speak with a doctor before stopping or changing any medications.
4. Maintain a healthy body weight
Maintaining a moderate body weight may help reduce the risk of gout flares, as obesity increasesTrusted Source the risk of gout.
Experts recommend that people focus on making long-term, sustainable changes to manage their weight, such as becoming more active, eating a balanced diet, and choosing nutrient-dense foods. Maintaining a moderate weight can help lower blood uric acid levels and improve overall health.
5. Avoid alcohol and sugary drinks
Consuming a lot of alcohol and sugary drinks — such as sodas and sweetened juices — correlates with an increased risk of developing gout.
Alcohol and sweetened drinks also add unnecessary calories to the diet, potentially causing weight gain and metabolic issues, leading to increased uric acid levels.
6. Drink coffee
Research from 2015Trusted Source indicates that people who drink coffee are less likely to develop gout.
A 2016 meta-analysisTrusted Source looked at 11 studies. The authors concluded that there might be a link between drinking coffee and having a lower risk of gout. However, there was insufficient evidence of a strong association.
7. Try a vitamin C supplement
In a 2021 reviewTrusted Source,
researchers noted that many previous studies show a positive
correlation between vitamin C intake and blood uric acid levels.
However, while they noted this effect, they also stated that no study
had found conclusive evidence that vitamin C can prevent or reduce gout
attacks.
Researchers have studied cherries and their effects on gout for several years. According to a 2019 studyTrusted Source, scientists noted several properties of this fruit that may help reduce inflammation. However, they also noted that additional studies into the effects of cherries on gout are necessary.
9. Try supplements
Certain supplements may help with lowering blood uric acid levels. Some potentially beneficial supplements include:
- vitamin C
- omega-3 fatty acid
- folic acid
- turmeric capsules
Before adding supplements to their diet, a person should consult a doctor. They can make sure supplements will not interfere with their current medications.
Summary
Gout is a painful medical condition that often occurs alongside other serious conditions. While a healthy lifestyle may lower the risk of subsequent flares, it may not be enough to treat the disease.
Even people with balanced diets still get the condition, and not everyone who eats high purine diets develops gout symptoms.
Medication can help reduce pain and may prevent the risk of future gout flares. People can speak with a doctor about their symptoms and ask for advice on which lifestyle changes might benefit them.