The food that we eat is broken down by body cells, that in turn produce uric acid. Uric acid is filtered out by kidneys and leaves our body in the form of urine. Small amount of uric acid is also present in our stool. If kidneys are not able to filter out uric acid from the body, its level increases in the blood, and as a result, solid crystals are formed within the joints. This leads to a painful condition called Gout.

If Gout is not treated, the uric acid crystals build further in the joints and nearby tissues and form a hard and lumpy deposits called Tophi.

Increased levels of uric acid in the blood also cause kidney stones or even kidney failure.

Normal uric level in men is supposed to be in the range 3.4 to 7 mg/dL where as in women it is supposed to be 2.4-6 mg/dL. The values may differ at different labs.

Factors that contribute to high levels of uric acid in the blood include: Diet that is high in purines (purine is the component that is broken down to uric acid), excessive alcohol consumption, obesity, underactive thyroid, metabolic or endocrine conditions like diabetes. Although not common, but, high level of uric acid could be genetic.

Here are some tips and natural remedies that answers to the question that how to lower uric acid levels in the body.

• Lemon juice
  The very first query one might have regarding this remedy is, how can lemon juice being acidic, reduce uric acid level? Lemon juice although acidic, produces an alkaline effect, which together with vitamin C, lower the uric acid levels.
• Cherries
  Cherries and dark berries like blueberries contain flavonoids called anthocyanins that lower the uric acid level and reduce inflammation and stiffness in the body. Eating at least one and a half cup of cherries daily for a couple weeks, and adding blueberries, strawberries, tomatoes and bell peppers, and other anti-oxidant rich fruits and vegetables to your diet will help answer questions on how to lower uric acid levels.

• Baking soda
  Chemically known as sodium bicarbonate, baking soda is highly beneficial as it lowers uric acid levels in the body and it helps in reducing gout pain. It does so by naturally balancing the alkaline level of the body by making uric acid more soluble which makes it easier to flush out of the kidneys. Avoid this if you are blood pressure patient.

• Apple cider vinegar
  Apple cider vinegar is a natural cleanser and detoxifier that helps in lowering uric acid level from the body by removing it in the form of waste. Apple cider vinegar contains malic acid that restores the alkalinity of the body which in turn lowers the uric acid levels, thus providing anti- inflammatory and antioxidant benefits.
• Olive oil
  Most vegetable oils like olive oil turn into repugnant fats when heated or processed. These acids destroy the vital vitamin E present in the body. This helps in lowering uric acid levels in the body.
• Water
  Simply drinking plenty water can help in lowering uric acid level in the body as it helps in optimizing the acid filtering of the body. Water dilutes the uric acid and helps the kidneys to eliminate the excess amount from the body in the form of urine.

• Green tea
  Consuming green tea on a regular basis helps in controlling hyperuricemia (which is nothing but high uric acid levels) thus lowering the risk of developing gout.
• High-fiber foods
  Food high in dietary fiber help in lowering the uric acid the body. Dietary fiber helps in absorbing uric acid from the body and helps in eliminating it from the body through kidneys. Foods high in dietary fiber include broccoli, apples, cucumbers, celery, carrots and barley.

Apart from diet, there are certain healthy habits that people with high level of uric acid should follow that will eventually help them to lower uric acid levels in the body.

People who are obese stand more risk of increased levels of uric acid in the body. Obesity is directly linked with high levels of purine, which eventually leads to increased levels of uric acid in the body. Remember, losing weight by starving the body is not beneficial as excess weight reduction can lead to short-term spike in uric acid levels, making it one of the not so preferred methods on how to lower uric acid levels.

So, people who exercise and follow a proper diet to reduce their weight increase the body’s efficiency to lower the purine and uric acid levels.

Avoiding soft drinks can also will answer questions on how to lower uric acid levels under check. Soft drinks are as much as harmful for a body with high levels of uric acid, as alcoholic beverages. This is because of the high levels of fructose in soft drinks.

To conclude, before including any of the above food products mentioned above in your daily diet, it is very important that you consult your doctor to be sure and safe.