20 ways to reduce uric acid

Gone are the days when diet prescriptions were only about what not to eat.
Fortunately, modern day diet prescriptions focus just as much on what is to be included in the diet. Quite similarly, the diet for reducing raised uric acid has undergone many changes. Here are some ideas for a diet designed to reduce uric acid levels.
Ways to reduce uric acid #1
What is interesting to note is that not all purine rich foods can increase uric acid levels in the same way.Therefore, not all purine rich foods need to be avoided as a rule.
Ways to reduce uric acid #2
A vegetarian diet with enough fruits and vegetables can increase the alkalinity in the body, which is desirable.
Ways to reduce uric acid #3
It is for the same reason (foods that increase alkalinity in the body) that the hitherto forbidden items—peas and beans—are now recommended. One can include peas and beans in moderate amounts when prescribing a low uric acid diet.
Ways to reduce uric acid #4
Similarly, cauliflower and spinach (increase alkalinity in body), which were previously on the list of forbidden items can now be consumed.
Ways to reduce uric acid #5
Tea and coffee is permitted in moderation (2 to 3 cups in a day).
Ways to reduce uric acid #6
Vitamin C rich foods are helpful, which means that one should include guavas, oranges and Indian gooseberry (amla) in a uric acid reducing diet.
Ways to reduce uric acid #7
Bromelain, the enzyme present in pineapple, is also of value in such a diet.
Ways to reduce uric acid #8
Low fat dairy products reduce the risk of gout and can be used freely in a uric acid lowering diet.
Ways to reduce uric acid #9
Cherries are the new wonder food that can alleviate symptoms.
Ways to reduce uric acid #10
Besides red cherries, blueberries and other berries are also beneficial in reducing the pain and suffering caused by gout.
Ways to reduce uric acid #11
Adequate water intake can do wonders in this diet. It also prevents the formation of uric acid crystals, which lead to the symptoms of gout.
Ways to reduce uric acid #12
If one is overweight, losing weight will definitely be helpful in reducing the symptoms of gout, which is joint pain.
Ways to reduce uric acid #13
Animal products and meats remain on top of the offenders’ list.
Ways to reduce uric acid #14
Meat soups and stock cubes are also harmful.
Ways to reduce uric acid #15
Some variety of fish is high in purine content (the kind of purine rich food that is not recommended) and should be avoided.
Ways to reduce uric acid #16
Poultry is to be in the list of offending foods and intake of this food item is best avoided.
Ways to reduce uric acid #17
Organ meats are also harmful and there is enough reason to exclude it from the diet.
Ways to reduce uric acid #18
Yeast extracts used in many kinds of food products should be avoided.
Ways to reduce uric acid #19
Alcohol is strictly forbidden and any form of alcohol is to be excluded from the diet.
Ways to reduce uric acid #20
It was earlier believed that the low uric acid diet should be a low protein one. This theory no longer holds true. As long as the proteins are mostly from vegetarian sources, one could include normal amounts of protein in the diet.
(Nutritionist Neelanjana Singh, Heinz Nutri Life Clinic, Delhi,www.hnfi.org)
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