Uric acid, a naturally occurring chemical found in the body, is produced through the consumption of foods which are high in purine. Having levels of uric acid which are too low or too high can be unhealthy. Fortunately, there are ways to monitor and regulate these levels without the need for complicated medications.
While fish, liver, and some other fatty foods are known for having high levels of purines, which then cause significantly higher uric acid levels, there are also plenty of purines to be found in produce. To help you examine your intake level, check out this list of foods & vegetables that raise uric acid.
1. Asparagus
First in the list of foods & vegetables that raise uric acid is asparagus. It's green, it's delicious, and it changes the scent of your urine. Asparagus is one of the many foods which are considered to be high in purines. If you are nervous that your levels are too high, it might be wise to avoid this vegetable. Similarly, if levels are low, your doctor might suggest that you eat more.
2. Cauliflower
Pale in color, and resembling a firmer broccoli plant, cauliflower is one of the food & vegetables that raise uric acid. Eat it raw or steam it to get the most out of the vegetable. Mixing it with other purine rich foods, such as organ meats and yeast could amplify your uric acid intake.
3. Spinach
Normally, lettuce and other green vegetables are considered low in uric acid, and are often prescribed by doctors to patients who are trying to lower purine intake. Spinach, however, is high in purines, and therefore boosts uric acid levels accordingly. Mix a handful of spinach in with your morning shake, or toss it in a salad to benefit from this green.
4. Beer and Wine
Yeast based alcohol, such as beer and wine, are loaded with purines. It may not be the healthiest method of raising uric acid levels, but it can be helpful to have a glass or two of red wine if levels are low.
5. Oatmeal
It isn't just vegetables, yeast, and fatty fish which raise uric acid, you can also gain access to purines through a healthy breakfast. Oatmeal is another ingredient which makes it easy to maintain regular levels of this chemical compound in your bloodstream. Eat it with milk for a boost of fiber and dairy to kick start your day.
If you feel that you may suffer from high or low uric acid, speak to your doctor about the possibility of a blood test. Some of the symptoms felt when uric acid levels are too high are infrequent urination, kidney pain, joint pain, and swelling. You may not feel any symptoms at all, however, so if you have a history of abnormal levels already, be sure to attend regular checkups for follow-up.
It is important to speak to your doctor before making any drastic changes to your diet, especially if you are working toward regulating levels of purines by avoiding those that are in the list of foods & vegetables that raise uric acid. There may be some foods that your physician would rather you avoid in large quantities, particularly those which damage the liver.