Every day the human body generates about 600 mg of uric acid, which is a normal by-product of metabolism. The body excretes uric acid in sufficient quantities to ensure that what remains in the bloodstream is in balance and will not lead to uric acid buildup in the body.
In some cases, however, the uric acid stays in the human body and causes high concentrations, which will induce hyperuricemia. One of the effects of hyperuricemia is the formation of crystals, which can be deposited in the bladder and joints. Uric acid is linked to gout, a very painful disease that has been on the rise in Americans for more than 50 years. The presence of gout can be an indication of other underlying diseases such as metabolic syndrome, heart disease, and kidney disease. Back in 2007/2008, at least 43.3 million Americans had hyperuricemia and gout.
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If you believe you are unwell and the cause is uric acid buildup, medical treatment will be necessary. However, modifying the daily diet is something everyone can pay attention to in order to support the path back to an improved state of health.
Foods that can reduce uric acid buildup in the body
1. Cucumbers
Cucumbers are rich in beneficial nutrients, such as many kinds of vitamins, niacin, carotene, proteins, and various trace elements, which are very effective in excluding toxins, helping defecation, supplementing vitamins, and nourishing the skin.
Cucumbers act as a diuretic and can eliminate edema. They protect the kidneys from being damaged by hyperuricemia, and they reduce blood sugar and uric acid buildup in those patients who have the diagnosis. Cucumbers can also relieve the pain in joints caused by gout.
2. Tofu
Tofu is made of ground soybeans. Being rich in protein, it is called “vegetarian meat.” Bean products are not usually consumed by patients with hyperuricemia because the purine in the beans can induce gout. However, while being processed, the harmful purine in tofu is diluted, and the natural steroid component of tofu can help with excreting uric acid from the body.
3. Eggs
Eggs are nutritious and contain a low level of purine. They can supplement nutrition for patients with hyperuricemia and enhance the metabolism of uric acid.
A diet containing tofu, cucumbers, and eggs can reduce uric acid buildup in patients with gout and provide nutrients to boost immunity. However, if patients with hyperuricemia also have diseases related to blood vessels, they should reduce their intake of eggs, because eggs may aggravate the disease.
Please check with your physician or healthcare provider when modifying your diet.
Translated by Audrey Wang and edited by Helen
