What is the best juice to flush uric acid?
Uric acid is a waste product created when the body breaks down purines, which are found in foods like red meat, organ meats, seafood, beans, and beer. An excess buildup of uric acid can lead to gout, kidney stones, and other health issues. While medication may be necessary for some, one of the best ways to help flush uric acid from the body is through juices high in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals.
Why Reduce Uric Acid Levels?
Normal levels of uric acid are typically 3.5-7.2 mg/dL for men and 2.6-6.0 mg/dL for women. When levels exceed 6.8 mg/dL for men and 6.0 mg/dL for women, crystals can start to form in the joints and cause gout attacks. High uric acid can also lead to kidney stones and kidney damage over time. Additional problems associated with high uric acid include:
- Joint pain, stiffness and swelling
- Gout flares
- Kidney stones
- Kidney disease
- Cardiovascular disease
- Fatty liver disease
- High blood pressure
- Diabetes
Given the numerous health risks, it is important to try to maintain normal uric acid levels through diet, lifestyle changes, and natural remedies like juicing.
Best Juices to Flush Uric Acid
There are many fruits, vegetables and herbs that can help flush excess uric acid from the body. Some of the top choices include:
Cherry Juice
Cherries are rich in antioxidants called anthocyanins that help reduce inflammation and uric acid levels. Studies show that drinking cherry juice daily can lower uric acid and reduce gout attacks.
Celery Juice
Celery is a diuretic that helps the kidneys flush out excess uric acid. Celery juice also contains potassium and magnesium that can help dissolve uric acid crystals.
Lemon Juice
The high vitamin C content in lemon juice helps increase uric acid excretion. The citric acid can also help break down uric acid crystals.
Beet Juice
Beets are high in antioxidants and have compounds called betalains that help reduce inflammation. Beet juice can help lower uric acid levels and reduce gout pain.
Blueberry Juice
Like cherries, blueberries contain powerful anthocyanins. Blueberry juice can reduce inflammation and lower uric acid levels for better gout management.
Cabbage Juice
Cabbage is loaded with antioxidants and has compounds that can help lower uric acid levels. Drinking cabbage juice is an easy way to get these benefits.
Cucumber Juice
Cucumbers are high in water content and silica which can help flush uric acid and dissolve kidney stones. Cucumber juice makes a hydrating, cleansing drink.
Apple Juice
Apples have quercetin and malic acid that can help block uric acid production and reduce pain. Unsweetened apple juice is a healthy choice.
Pineapple Juice
Pineapple has the enzyme bromelain which acts as an anti-inflammatory to lower uric acid levels. It also contains vitamin C for added benefits.
Grape Juice
Grapes can help change uric acid production and excretion to lower levels. Opt for unsweetened grape juice for the benefits without added sugar.
Carrot Juice
Carrots increase urine output to help flush uric acid from the body. They also contain antioxidants like beta-carotene to reduce inflammation.
Other Tips for Lowering Uric Acid
Along with drinking uric acid-lowering juices, here are some other ways to help reduce levels:
- Drink plenty of water – Stay well hydrated to dilute uric acid and allow the kidneys to flush it out.
- Limit alcohol – Alcohol can interfere with uric acid excretion leading to buildup.
- Reduce purine foods – Limit high-purine foods like red meat, seafood, and beans.
- Get exercise – Regular activity helps flush uric acid through sweating.
- Maintain a healthy weight – Obesity is linked to higher uric acid levels.
- Take vitamin C – Vitamin C supplements can help lower uric acid.
- Avoid crash diets – Rapid weight loss can temporarily increase uric acid.
- Limit fructose – High fructose intake is associated with uric acid production.
Juicing for Uric Acid: Recipes
It’s easy to make tasty uric acid-fighting juice recipes at home. Here are two great combinations to try:
Cherry Celery Juice
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Cherries, pitted | 1 cup |
| Celery stalks | 2 large |
| Cucumber | 1/2 cucumber |
| Fresh ginger | 1-inch knob |
| Ice cubes | 2-4 |
Blend all ingredients in a high-speed blender until smooth. Serve over ice.
Blueberry Pineapple Juice
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Blueberries | 1 cup |
| Pineapple chunks | 1 cup |
| Lemon, peeled | 1 lemon |
| Ginger | 1/2-inch knob |
| Ice | 2-3 cubes |
Blend all ingredients together until smooth. Add water if needed for blending. Enjoy over ice.
Conclusion
Juices made from fruits, vegetables and herbs like cherries, celery, lemons, beets and blueberries can provide an array of antioxidants, vitamins and minerals to help flush excess uric acid from the body. In combination with lifestyle measures like staying hydrated, limiting alcohol and purine-rich foods, maintaining a healthy weight and exercising regularly, these juices can be an effective and natural way to manage gout and reduce uric acid levels for better health.