Is Lowering Uric Acid Naturally Through Diet Better Than Using Drugs?

We have two options when lowering uric acid in order to prevent gout; natural remedies (in this case we are considering just diet) or conventional acid-reducing drugs. But which is best? To answer that question, let's first look at conventional treatment for lowering uric acid...

Conventional Drugs For Lowering Uric Acid in the Body

Probably the most common drug used is allopurinol which inhibits the xanthine oxidase enzyme that activates uric acid production in the liver. In this way it can be used to reduce acid levels in the blood over time.

And it has to be recognized that allopurinol is a long-term solution, with most folks having to take it over their life time. This is because they only work as long as they are being taken, they are not a 'cure.' In addition, they can have some negative side effects such as rashes, liver dysfunction, dermatitis, etc.

Another unfortunate 'side effect' is that if they are taken during a gout attack, then they tend to make the gout symptoms more severe. This is why it is recommended to not start this treatment until at least one month has elapsed since the end of the last gout attack.

Probenecid and sulfinpyrazone are uricosuric drugs that can also lower uric acid in the body, but this time by helping to increase the excretion of the acid through the kidneys. These drugs are also a lifetime commitment. One of the side effects of this therapy is possible kidney stone formation, particularly where the patient has an existing kidney problem.

Now let's take a look at lowering acid naturally using diet...

Using Diet For Reducing Uric Acid in the Body

Our bodies contain nucleotides called 'purines' which are chemical compounds. When these break down, as they naturally do during the metabolizing process, uric acid is produced in the bloodstream.

But they also exist in many of our foods and these breakdown in our bodies during the digestive process, thus producing acid in the bloodstream.

Now, under normal circumstances, the kidneys can process the total amount of acid and expel excess from the body via the urine. But, where there is too much being produced, and / or, the kidneys are not functioning to the best of their ability, then excess acid is retained and circulated in the blood. Thus leading to crystal formation and gout.

So diet is important because it contributes to the overall production of uric acid in your blood. An important issue is that some foods contain more purines than others. Generally speaking, foods high in protein are high in purines, so these must be avoided. These are foods such as game, organ meat, fatty red meat, fish, shellfish, poultry, and so on.

Lowering Uric Acid Naturally v Drug-Based Medication

It's safe to say that reducing uric acid through diet is much preferable to the use of drugs. It's clear that the drug-based solution only works whilst they are being taken and can have some negative side effects. This is pertinent when you consider that the drugs such as allopurinol are lifetime commitments.

Dietary changes on the other hand, although perhaps difficult to adjust to in the beginning, are safer and just as effective, if not more so. Although you must always consult your physician before making any significant changes to your diet.

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