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Hyperuricemia: Ways to keep it under check

Published On: July 30, 2010, 12:14 am

Hyperuricemia: Ways to keep it under check By Ishpreet Bindra

Hyperuricemia is a condition more common in people today, than one usually might expect it to be. It is a condition indicating a high content of uric acid in the body, which leads to several ailments like – kidney stones, gout and severe joint pains. However, with prescribed herbs, some dietary regulations and major lifestyle changes one can get this condition under control, bringing back normalcy to life.

Causes of Hyperuricemia –
Hyperuricemia is caused when uric acid passes through the liver into the bloodstream, instead of passing through the intestines and finally being excreted via urine. It happens when there is under elimination of uric acid by the kidneys or over production of it in the body. High levels of uric acid are also seen in the body when, the level of purines in the blood goes high. Purines are nitrogen-containing compounds which break down into uric acid. They can be endogenously made by the body cells or exogenously obtained from foods rich in them. Excess of purines accumulate in the body tissue and form crystals.
 
Some other factors which might lead to the Hyperuricemia are problems like obesity, weight gain, high blood pressure or abnormal kidney function.
 
As a result the blood reflects high uric acid levels way beyond the normal 2.4-6.0 mg/dL in females and 3.4-7.0 mg/dL in males.  The body reacts with problematic symptoms when the blood uric acid level rises above 7 mg/dL.
 
The most serious side effects of high levels of blood uric acid are kidney failure and gout- a severe joint ache problem that if not treated in time can get crippling to quite an extent. It is therefore, important to know the right track to follow in order to manage this problem well. Below are some effective ways to do the same-
 
Effective herbs to control high uric acid levels –
There are many herbs which help to keep the high levels of uric acid in the body under check. Some of these also provide relief from symptoms like gout, arthritis, kidney problems etc and are effective in many autoimmune disorders of the body.
 
Most of these herbs help to relieve the patients of the side effects they face due to high levels of uric acid. They also help to keep weight gain and obesity, high cholesterol etc under check.
Therefore, the most effective herbs suggested under Ayurveda for this problem are - Nirgundi (Vitex negundo), Shallaki (Boswellia serrata),Guggul (Commiphora mukul),Sonth (Zingiber officinale),Giloy (Tinospora cordifolia) andAshwagandha (Withania somnifera).
 
Celery seed extract and bromelain are used as alternative medicine sources as well for this ailment.
 
Effective dietary changes –
Change in diet is the most effective way of fighting this problem as foods containing high levels of purines are the major cause of Hyperuricemia according to major studies. The growing trend of going in for junk food and off the counter, ready to eat foods worsens the situation. Changes in eating habits go a long way in curing this problem. It is therefore important to identify foods which are high in purines and need to be avoided and foods which are low in purines and must be made a part of the diet.
 
Foods high in purines –
  • All organ meats, meat extracts and gravy. Therefore people with Hyperuricemia need to avoid – hearts, salmons, sardines, mussels, mutton, liver, bacon, turkeys, partridge, trout, goose, haddock, pheasant and scallops.
  • Foods containing yeast like bread, sweet bread, buns, beer and alcoholic beverages
  • Vegetables and greens high in purines are - Asparagus, spinach, beans, peas, lentils, oatmeal, cauliflower and mushrooms
 
Foods low in purines –
  • Low purine diets are very helpful in lowering the levels of uric acid in the body. Some of these foods are-
  • Low fat and low protein dairy products - Milk, curd,
  • Vegetables – lettuce, celery, kale, cabbage, parsley, tomatoes, red cabbage, red bell peppers, potatoes
  • Refined cereals - pasta, flour, tapioca, wheat, rice, bajra,
  • Fibre fruits, Vit-C rich fruits and water rich fruits - Fresh cherries, strawberries, blueberries, Bananas (rich in pottasium), tangerines, mandarins, oranges, pineapples (rich in bromelain).
  • Fresh fruit juices like those of black cherry, pineapple etc
  • Foods rich in bromelain like pineapple and supplements of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and folic acid are also very helpful
  • Nuts, peanut butter, carbonated drinks and chocolates work well.
  • Tofu and other soy products work well.

 

 
Diet that helps –
For a person suffering from Hyperuricemia, the diet should be high on complex carbohydrates and fibre rich sources of the same. Protein intake should be as low as 15 percent of the nutritional intake and that too from sources like soy products and low protein poultry products. Fats should comprise only 10 percent of the nutritional requirement. Foods rich in Vit-C, potassium and bromelain help. Folic acid supplements should also be taken.
Some effective home remedies –
  • During a bout of extreme pain in joints caused due to Hyperuricemia, take a teas spoon of baking soda in eight ounces of water and one can find immediate relief apart from keeping the symptoms away.
  • Two teaspoons of apple cider vinegar, diluted in a glass of water, taken two to three times a day for a week helps.
  • Researchers have proven that popping in 30-40 cherries every hour during an inflammation or pain attack, is very effective.
  • A daily dose of cod-liver oil is also very helpful as are bananas.
Some lifestyle changes –
It is important to understand that herbal medicines and dietary changes do not work well in isolation. They have to be supported by the following lifestyle changes a patient has to imbibe in his or her routine, to see effective and long term results:
  • A daily intake of 8-10 glasses of water has to be ensured, so that the body gets help in flushing out excessive uric acid.
  • Coffee, tea and alcohol contribute to Hyperuricemia and thus need to be avoided.
  • People with Hyperuricemia need to be very careful about their weight and blood pressure. A daily half an hour walk regime helps work wonders. Strive to maintain an ideal body weight as this problem aggravates in over weight individuals. However, it is also important to know that people with Hyperuricemia should avoid fasting, crash diets or quick weight loss schemes.
  • Always be conscious of avoiding foods high in purines.
  • Know that certain medicines like asprin, niacin, thiazide diuretics and loop diuretics may contribute in aggravating uric acid levels. Therefore always take them after informing your medical practitioner of your condition and still if he prescribes them.

 

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