Uric acid is a compound that is naturally formed in the body from the breakdown of a class of chemicals called purines. Purines are found in all cells in the body and can also be found in certain foods, including organ meat and certain kinds of fish. When uric acid levels get too high in the body, small uric acid crystals can be formed. These crystals can be extremely painful and lead to a condition called gout, which causes intense pain and inflammation of joints. One way of preventing gout is to lower uric acid levels.
Step 1
Stay hydrated. Drinking lots of water and other fluids helps your kidneys process uric acid, lowering its concentration in the blood and keeping it from getting deposited in your tissues and joints.
Step 2
Avoid excessive alcohol consumption and certain foods. Not only can drinking too much alcohol increase the uric acid in your blood, it dehydrates you, making an acute gout attack more likely. Food that are high in a compound called purines can also raise uric acid levels, so avoid seafood, especially herring, mackerel, and anchovies. Also avoid foods with "organ" meat (such as brain, liver, and kidneys).
Step 3
Take medication. Allopurinol and febuxostat are two different prescription medications than, when taken daily orally, can reduce the amount of uric acid in your blood.
Things You'll Need
- Allopurinol/Febuxostat
