For the longest time, medical professionals thought that elevated uric acid levels only affected the joints, causing inflammation commonly called gout. However, new research shows that people with high uric acid levels are at risk for other inflammatory diseases that cause chronic inflammation. There is also evidence that the higher the long-term uric acid level, the higher the mortality rate.

 

So what can we do? The key is to get the uric acid level below 5.5, which many people can do using natural supplements. People may also need to make diet changes and take prescription medications in more severe cases.

Supplements for reducing uric acid

One way for you to lower your uric acid is with natural supplements. You can find natural supplements in pill, powder, or capsule form. You can also get some of these supplements naturally in your food.

 

  • Quercetin (500mg daily): Quercetin is a plant flavonol found in many fruits and vegetables, such as capers, red onions, and kale.
  • Luteolin (100mg daily): Luteolin is a flavonoid found in produce like apples, carrots, cabbage, and green peppers.
  • DHA (1000mg daily): DHA is an omega-3 fatty acid commonly found in fish and seafood.
  • Vitamin C (500mg daily): Vitamin C is an essential nutrient for your body that you can get from citrus fruits and tomatoes.

Diet restrictions to help reduce uric acid

Your diet can play a significant role in your uric acid levels. If you have high uric acid levels, you may want to consider reducing or restricting certain foods that may be causing those levels to rise. A few foods you can try reducing or eliminating include:

 

  • Foods high in fat, such as dairy products or red meat
  • Wild game such as venison
  • Sardines, tuna, haddock
  • Beer and liquor
  • Sugary foods and beverages

Prescription medications that may help reduce uric acid

In some cases, supplements and diet restrictions are insufficient to lower a person's uric acid levels to the recommended 5.5. In that case, doctors may prescribe allopurinol or colchicine to help lower uric acid levels.

 

If you're living with chronic back or neck pain because of inflammation, the team at Mocek Spine can help. To learn more, you can make an appointment at our clinic or call us at 501.224.4001.