How to use natural ways to reduce uric acid in the body.
Uric acid is a natural waste product from the digestion of foods that contain purines. Purines are found in high levels in some foods such as:
Red meat
Viscera
Sardines
Beer
Purines are also made and broken down in your body.
Normally, your body filters uric acid through your kidneys and urine. If you get too much purine in your diet or your body can't get rid of this byproduct fast enough, uric acid can build up in your blood.
A normal uric acid level is below 6.8 mg/dLTrusted Source. A high uric acid level (above 6.8 mg/dL) is known as hyperuricemia. This can lead to a disease called gout which causes joint pain that accumulates urate crystals. It can also make your blood and urine too acidic.
Uric acid can build up in your body for many reasons. Some of them are:
Diet
Genetics
Obesity or overweight
Certain health disorders can also lead to high uric acid levels:
Kidney disease
Mellitus diabetes
Hypothyroidism
Some types of cancer or chemotherapy
Psoriasis
Read on to find out how you can reduce uric acid levels in your body naturally.
Ayurvedic Treatments for Uric Acid.
There are several Ayurvedic treatments for gout and uric acid buildup. Some of these treatments are herbal, while others are lifestyle changes.
1. Triphala
Triphala is a Sanskrit word meaning "three fruits." As the name suggests, it is a herbal treatment that consists of three fruits, namely bibhitaki, Amalaki, and haritaki. Each is believed to have an impact on one of the three doshas in the body.
One of the reported benefits of Triphala is that it is an anti-inflammatory, so it could reduce inflammation associated with gout.
While some research has found Triphala to have anti-inflammatory properties, the research is limited to animal studies. Trusted Source More research is needed to show if Triphala can help with gout.
2. Giloy
Giloy is a commonly used herb in Ayurveda.
A 2017 review on the medical benefits of giloy states that "giloy stem juice extract is very effective for the treatment of gout, as it helps neutralize elevated uric acid levels in the body."
In addition to this, a 2014 evaluation showed that giloy has anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects in rodents. Trusted Source However, more research is needed before its benefits can be proven in humans.
3. Neem
Neem is often used in Ayurveda to reduce inflammation and calm gout flare-ups. It can be made into a paste and applied to the area affected by gout.
While neem has anti-inflammatory properties according to a 2011 article, there is no evidence to show that it directly treats gout symptoms and would not reduce uric acid levels in the body.
Neem comes in oil and capsule form.
4. Bitter gourd
Bitter gourd is commonly recommended in Ayurveda for the treatment of Vata ailments. As such, it is often prescribed for the treatment of gout.
However, there is no real scientific evidence to suggest that bitter gourd can lower uric acid levels or treat gout.
5. Cherries and black fruits
Many Ayurvedic doctors recommend adding dark cherries and berries to your diet to reduce uric acid levels in the body.
In fact, cherry juice can treat gout. A 2012 pilot study looked at the effects of consuming cherry juice concentrate and found that it lowered uric acid levels. Reliable source. He also found that pomegranate concentrate lowered uric acid levels, although it wasn't as effective as cherry juice.
A 2012 study with 633 participants found that eating at least 10 cherries per day reduced the occurrence of gout attacks by 35 percent.
6. Exercise
Exercise is an important principle of Ayurveda. Exercise, especially yoga, is believed to support overall health. It goes without saying that Western medicine agrees that exercise has numerous health benefits.
Given that exercise is a proven method of reducing stress, and stress is a common trigger for gout attacks, it is not surprising that exercise is recommended for people with gout.
Yoga in particular has been linked to lower stress levels, according to a 2013 review of studies. Trusted Source
Also, exercise itself could lower uric acid. A 2010 study showed that profuse sweating, due to exercise, reduces uric acid levels in the body. Trusted Source, This is attributed to the idea that sweating is a way for your body to release uric acid and thereby purify itself.
The Porter
There are a number of Ayurvedic treatments available for gout, but there is limited scientific evidence for some of these treatments.
As always, it is important to seek medical guidance when using new herbs or supplements, or making lifestyle changes. Consult an Ayurvedic doctor before trying any Ayurvedic treatment for uric acid.
Because many of these treatments need more research, we are not yet sure about their side effects. Before trying any of these remedies, it is best to consult your doctor.
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