Uric acid is a substance generated by the organism itself as a result of the breakdown of purines. However, the amount of this substance can increase in the body due to an increase in foods rich in purines.
Normally, the organism eliminates between 80% and 90% of the uric acid generated during the day. In other words, there is a balance between what is produced and what is expelled. If this balance is broken, it can lead to an accumulation of uric acid.
Thus, having high levels of uric acid can be detrimental to health for several reasons. Firstly, because it is the main cause of the development of a disease known as gout, and it is also a cardiovascular risk factor in itself.
Lowering uric acid in the diet
The main medical treatment indicated to reduce uric acid levels consists of establishing a specific diet characterized by a limited intake of foods rich in purines. However, it may also involve the administration of certain medications.
When levels of this acid are elevated in the blood, it causes small crystallites of purines to form and accumulate in the joints, causing inflammation and intense pain. This condition is known as gout. In addition, excess uric acid can also lead to kidney stones.
It should be clear that to lower uric acid levels it is not necessary to eliminate certain foods from the diet. What is appropriate is to establish a healthy and balanced diet, temporarily limiting the consumption of foods such as seafood, oily fish, red meat or alcoholic beverages.
Tips for breakfast
Some time ago it was thought that caffeine was detrimental to uric acid levels. However, different studies have been able to prove that it is advisable to drink coffee during breakfast to reduce the values of this acid in the body.
Another healthy and beneficial option in this aspect is to drink a glass of water with squeezed lemon. Lemon is a depurative food with antioxidants, which allow the elimination of purines that are accumulated in the organism.
In this sense, a study published in the journal ‘Hospital Nutrition’ assures that drinking warm water with lemon every morning prevents the appearance of kidney stones and favors their dissolution, especially in case of high uric acid.
It is always advisable to choose lean turkey meat for breakfast, rather than eating sausages or red meat. In addition, one of the most recommended foods in case of uric acid are eggs, which do not contain purines and provide a large amount of protein.
Therefore, it is appropriate to incorporate a boiled egg at breakfast, which also contains good doses of vitamin D in the yolk. Nutrition experts indicate that it is healthy to eat three to five eggs per week.
Also, try to substitute whole milk for other similar products, such as rice drink, which does not contain purines and has a high nutritional value. Always select one that does not contain added sugars in its composition.
Finally, for a healthy and optimal breakfast in case of high uric acid, avoid the consumption of sweets or pastries, since they can increase the levels of this acid.
