Uric acid problems don't discriminate by age. Moreover, when uric acid levels rise, it's not easily detected. Most of the time, pain in the ankle or big toe signals the increase in uric acid. But when uric acid rises, patients don't rely solely on medication. Most patients stop eating animal protein. Often, consuming too much red meat and alcohol increases uric acid levels. However, even eating vegetarian food sometimes fails to control uric acid.
Nowadays, many people are health-conscious. Thinking about their health, many have reduced their fish and meat consumption. Again, many don't like non-vegetarian food at all. But despite this, uric acid levels are rising in their bodies. Why does this happen and how can you get relief from this problem?
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Why does uric acid increase even when eating vegetarian food?
Dietitian Anushri Mitra says, 'Uric acid is related to purine, not protein. This purine is not only found in animal foods. Several lentils and vegetables also contain high levels of purine.' Foods like masoor dal, kidney beans, chickpeas, soybeans, tofu, soy milk, mushrooms, cabbage, spinach etc., when eaten daily, introduce high levels of purine into the body. This increases uric acid levels.
What other factors are responsible for the increase in uric acid?
About 70 percent of uric acid is produced in the liver. Therefore, animal foods or purine-rich foods cannot be blamed entirely for the increase in uric acid in the body. Anushri has informed that one of the main reasons behind increased uric acid levels is consuming excessive amounts of carbohydrate foods. The dietitian states, 'If someone keeps eating fruits and dry fruits throughout the day, then fructose enters the body and uric acid levels increase from there. Again, vegetarians also consume more carbs. This also creates the risk of insulin resistance and increased uric acid levels.'
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How to avoid this problem?
Uric acid levels increase due to wrong eating habits. But that's not the only reason. Excess uric acid naturally exits the body on its own. But when it cannot exit, uric acid starts accumulating in various joints of the body. Therefore, the nutritionist has stated that it's important to focus on ensuring excess uric acid can exit the body. For this, one must drink more water. Additionally, avoid refined carbohydrates and processed foods, sugary drinks, fruit juices etc.
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