Foods Forbidden If You Have High Uric Acid

If you have high uric acid it is important to be careful and watch your diet, weight and certain eating habits. life. Thanks to a balanced meal, we can control uricemia.

High uric acid or hyperuricemia has traditionally been associated with people who enjoy abundance, both in food and drink. Although we know that it depends on many different factors, dietary changes are fundamental to treat it.

Hyperuricaemia or high level of uric acid

Uric acid is a compound formed by carbon, nitrogen, oxygen and hydrogen that is generated when the body breaks down purines. In turn, purines are formed naturally in the body, and are also found in certain foods.

Uric acid does not cause health problems in normal values, since it is excreted by the kidney. But sometimes, for various reasons, uric acid can exceed acceptable levels.

One of the most dreaded symptoms when suffering from hyperuricemia is gout. But the negative consequences of high uric acid levels go far beyond. It has been linked to an increased risk of kidney problems, cardiovascular problems, and chronic arthritic damage.

Diet and high uric acid

The high level of uric acid must be corrected to avoid long-term health problems and loss of quality of life in those who suffer from it. Correcting certain eating habits can be very beneficial.

If we are suffering from this health problem, we should avoid certain foods. Although we must take into account that more than prohibited foods, we must talk about foods to limit.

Foods rich in purines

Purines are components that are formed naturally in the body. And when they are broken down, uric acid appears. Thus, controlling foods high in purines can help decrease the amount of uric acid in the blood. Especially during gout attacks.

The foods highest in purines are:

• The liver, kidneys, gizzards and other viscera
• Red meat of beef, lamb and pork
• Blue fish and shellfish such as sardines, anchovies, tuna, shrimp, crab. We shouldn’t eliminate them completely because we would lose their benefits. We will therefore try to consume moderate portions.
• Delicatessen
• Very fermented cheeses
• Certain vegetables such as asparagus, peas, spinach or tomatoes are also high in purines. A sensible option is to moderate the consumption of these types of vegetables to about twice a week.

Foods high in fat

The elimination of urates is made difficult by the ingestion of fats. It is therefore advisable to control the portions of fat if we have a high uric acid content.

The best option, as in almost all cases, is extra virgin olive oil. Raw for seasoning dishes, but also for cooking. It’s best to completely eliminate processed foods that may contain trans fats or hydrogenated fats, and cut back on saturated fats.

High level of uric acid: fructose and sugary drinks

Fructose is the only carbohydrate that has been shown to be directly involved in the metabolism of uric acid.

In this case, we are referring to cola, other sweetened non-alcoholic drinks and fruit juices. The risk of gout is double in people who drink two or more sugary drinks per day, compared to those who drink less than one per month.

However, it is not possible to determine exactly why this increase in uric acid occurs. This could be due to other components of the drinks – besides fructose – or other associated unhealthy habits.

Alcohol

In the case of alcoholic beverages, there is no doubt. The risk of developing gout is more than double for men who consume 50 grams or more of alcohol per day, compared to those who do not drink alcohol.

In men, as in women, alcohol consumption is associated with higher rates of uricemia and gout disease. However, the risk is higher in women.

Indeed, high and occasional alcohol consumption increases the concentration of lactic acid. This makes it difficult for the kidneys to eliminate uric acid. If, on the other hand, alcohol consumption is chronic, the problem is the increase in purines.

High Uric Acid: Diet Guidelines to Keep in Mind

When it comes to hyperuricemia, we don’t just have to talk about prohibited foods. There are also guidelines for diet and other related aspects that will help us improve the situation:

• It is not recommended to be overweight: if we are overweight, gradual weight loss will be essential
• We should not fast too much or limit our calorie intake, because in these cases its levels also increase.
• Maintain good hydration: it is necessary to drink about 2 liters of water per day

All these guidelines must be accompanied by specific medical treatment, guided by a professional specialist.

There are foods to limit if you have a high uric acid content

Red meat and blue fish, sugary drinks and alcohol should be limited in case of hyperuricemia. Eating in moderation, drinking plenty of fluids, and eating a diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, low-fat milk and yogurt will help you cope with this health problem.