Some people need medication to treat gout, but diet and lifestyle changes may also help. Lowering uric acid can reduce the risk of gout and may even prevent subsequent flares in people with this condition.However, gout risk depends on several factors, not just lifestyle, so it is important to talk to a doctor about the best gout prevention strategies.In this article, learn about eight natural ways to lower uric acid levels.
Purines are compounds that occur naturally in some foods. As the body breaks down purines, it produces uric acid. The process of metabolizing purine-rich foods may lead to gout by causing the body to produce too much uric acid.
Some foods that are high in purines are otherwise healthful, so the goal should be to reduce the intake of purines rather than to avoid them altogether.
Foods with high purine content include:
- wild game, such as deer (venison)
- trout, tuna, haddock, sardines, anchovies, mussels, and herring
- excess alcohol, including beer and liquor
- high-fat foods, such as bacon, dairy products, and red meat (including veal)
- organ meats, for example, liver and sweetbreads
- sugary foods and beverages
