Relieve gout naturally: How to lower uric acid

Suddenly it's there – that stabbing pain in the joint that makes every movement an agony. Often, the cause is elevated uric acid levels, which can contribute to the development of gout in the long term. The good news: There are natural ways to regulate uric acid levels. Montmorency tart cherries, among others, play a role in this. In this article, you'll learn how you can support your body and lower uric acid with simple measures.

Uric acid is a natural substance that forms when purines are broken down in the body. Purines are the building blocks of our genetic material (DNA and RNA) and are found in all cells of the body.

Uric acid is produced in two ways:

• through the natural cell breakdown and the constant renewal of body cells
• through the consumption of purine-rich foods (e.g. meat, offal)

An elevated uric acid level, medically known as hyperuricemia , occurs when the blood level rises above 6.5 mg/dL. If this condition persists for a long time, uric acid crystals can form and become deposited in the joints and surrounding tissue.

Such deposits can cause inflammation and lead to gout – a metabolic disorder that usually occurs in the form of a sudden gout attack. This causes severe inflammation, pain, and swelling in the affected joint.

If elevated uric acid levels aren't reduced in time, gout attacks become increasingly frequent. At the same time, more and more crystals build up in the joints, which can lead to permanent damage.

Diet has a significant impact on uric acid levels and thus on the risk of developing gout. While genetic factors can also play a role, the intake of purines through food is the most crucial factor. Both the choice of foods and the amount consumed determine how much uric acid is produced in the body.

Alcohol should also be avoided if possible. Although it contains only a small amount of purines, it has two negative effects: It inhibits the excretion of uric acid through the kidneys and simultaneously causes the body to produce more uric acid. Both significantly increase the risk of gout attacks (2) .

By choosing the right foods, you can make a significant contribution to lowering your uric acid levels naturally – and in the long term. While there is no specific "gout diet," one particular approach has proven particularly effective: the DASH diet (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension).

The DASH diet was originally developed to treat high blood pressure, but also shows positive effects on elevated uric acid levels, especially when combined with avoiding purine-rich foods. Studies show that DASH can significantly reduce uric acid levels after just four weeks.

 (3, 4) .

The focus of the DASH diet is on:

• Fresh fruit and vegetables

• Whole grain products

• Low-fat dairy products

• Fish and lean meat (in moderation)

• Healthy fats

Sour cherries are rich in important vitamins, minerals, and trace elements. Their high content of polyphenols , such as anthocyanins, is particularly striking. These secondary plant compounds protect the plant in nature from harmful influences such as UV radiation or pests. In the human body, they are associated with numerous health benefits.

The Montmorency tart cherry is particularly valuable because it contains the most polyphenols of any other cherry variety. Since then, it has been studied in numerous studies for its health benefits.