High levels of uric acid can be harmful to health, as they lead to a disease known as gout. In addition, hyperuricemia constitutes an important cardiovascular and cerebrovascular risk.
Uric acid is a substance that the body itself generates through the process of decomposing purines. However, the consumption of purine foods can also cause an increase in this acid in the blood.
When the levels of uric acid are high, it is known as hyperuricemia and in most cases it manifests itself through a disease known as ' gout'. This pathology consists of the accumulation of purine crystals in the joints and in the big toe, which cause intense pain and inflammation.
Uric acid and diet
People with hyperuricemia, gout or risk of high uric acid levels should follow a specific diet that reduces the number of purines in the body.
In this sense, the foods richest in purines that cause an increase in uric acid are different varieties of seafood, red meat, sugary foods and some varieties of vegetables, such as asparagus and spinach.
In addition, it is also advisable to limit the consumption of alcoholic beverages. It has been shown that beer and higher alcohol content also increase the levels of uric acid in the body.
Thus, the main treatment against hyperuricaemia and in case of gout is based on a specific diet. Sometimes it is also convenient to take certain medications indicated for this health condition.
Vegetables that reduce hyperuricemia
In general, fruits and vegetables are suitable foods to reduce uric acid levels, with the exception of some specific foods, such as asparagus or spinach.
Thus, one of the most appropriate vegetables in case of hyperuricemia or risk of this health condition is the artichoke. Specifically, artichokes are a food with a high diuretic power, so they favor the elimination of toxins and prevent fluid retention in the body.
Another appropriate food of plant origin is onion, a natural product that is used mainly in food as a spice and to flavor other types of preparations. In this sense, onion is an ideal food to reduce the level of uric acid in the blood, cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
In this group it is also important to highlight the pumpkin. It is a vegetable rich in antioxidants that also generates an important diuretic effect on the body. By increasing urine production, the consumption of this food helps eliminate toxic substances that the body does not need; as an excess of uric acid.
The carrot is an orange vegetable rich in vitamin A. It also has alkalizing effects and is effective in eliminating excess uric acid from the blood. Likewise, it is also advisable to consume celery on a regular basis, a vegetable that is mainly used as an ingredient to make broths.