Have you ever woken up with a throbbing, excruciating big toe that keeps you from putting your foot on the ground? It's a fairly common condition, and it could indicate gout or high uric acid levels. This type of pain can be quite acute, making your joint feel like it's on fire. The good news is that there are things you can do to help manage it, and simple changes to your spending habits can make a big difference.
Understanding gout and high uric acid
So what exactly happens when you feel this type of pain? Hyperuricemia, which is simply too much uric acid in your blood, is often the culprit. Uric acid is a waste product your body produces when it breaks down substances called purines. Purines occur naturally in your body, but they can also be found in many meals, especially meat and seafood.
The painful reality of gout
When uric acid levels are too high, it's like adding too much sugar to a glass of water. It ends up crystallizing and settling at the bottom. Uric acid crystals can develop in your joints, especially in your big toe. When these crystals grow, they can induce gout, a serious form of arthritis that occurs suddenly. It is known to cause severe pain, swelling and redness in the affected joint.
Top 5 drinks to help manage uric acid
Make choices of drinks smart can be a simple but powerful way to help your body control uric acid levels and reduce the risk of gout flare-ups. Here are some of the best options:
➡️5. Tea green
The tea green is a great choice for combating high uric acid levels. First, it keeps you hydrated, which is essential for eliminating uric acid. Drinking plenty of fluids allows your kidneys to work more efficiently to eliminate waste. Green tea, however, does more than hydrate. It contains antioxidants, which can help reduce uric acid levels and reduce inflammation in the body.
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➡️4. Skimmed or skimmed milk
It may sound strange, but skim or low-fat milk can help manage uric acid. Milk is high in protein and low in fat, which can help reduce the amount of uric acid in your blood. One of the main reasons milk is beneficial is that it does not contain fructose, a form of sugar commonly found in high-fructose corn syrup and many processed drinks.
➡️3. Lemon water
Lemon water is a simple, refreshing option that works wonders. The main reason it is so beneficial is its high concentration of vitamin C. Vitamin C is known to help neutralize uric acid in the body. This means it can help prevent the development of uric acid crystals in your joints, which causes gout-related discomfort. It can also help avoid kidney stones, which can occur when uric acid levels are abnormally high.
➡️2. Herbal teas
Besides green tea, several other herbal teas could be a useful addition to your routine. Consider teas such as chamomile, lavender or hibiscus. These teas not only taste good; They also have a number of health benefits that can help with uric acid. They help you stay hydrated, just like green tea. However, many herbal teas contain anti-inflammatory ingredients that can help reduce the swelling and pain associated with gout.
➡️1. Coffee
This one may come as a surprise, especially since coffee can be dehydrating. However, coffee has been shown to help manage excessive uric acid levels. Although you should always drink plenty of water, coffee can help your body circulate fluids more efficiently, eliminating uric acid. When brewed with skim or low-fat milk, coffee may be even more effective in preventing gout symptoms.
