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The normal uric acid levels in men are 3.4 mg/dl to 7 mg/dl. The contributing factors for high uric acid in the system are poor elimination of uric acid and increase in dietary intake of uric acid. Uric acid is broken down into the final product allantoin, by the enzyme uricase. Deficiency of this enzyme also causes increase in uric acid levels. Vegetarians have a lower level, due to the absence of meat in their diet. High uric acid levels result in a condition known as gouty arthritis. The uric acid crystals accumulate as crystals in certain areas, such as joints. These levels further increase by the intake of foods containing purine and protein. Inflammation, pain and discomfort are the typical symptoms, which accompany high uric acid levels. Avoid high protein and high purine foods. Apart from diet, body weight is also an important issue of consideration. Obesity has a direct relationship with uric acid levels.
Abstain from crash diets, as it also increases the risk of gout. Increase in uric acid aggravates as stones in the kidney. About eight to ten glasses of water helps in flushing off the uric acid and other toxins. Sardines, hearts, yeast, sweet bread, mussels, herring, smelt and yeast are excellent sources of purine. Other good sources of purine are veal, anchovies, scallops, pheasant, turkey, grouse, haddock, partridge, salmon, veal, trout, kidney, liver and bacon. The uric acid crystals are analogous to needles, which result in pain. They appear in the connective tissue or in the spaces between the bones.
A healthy and balanced diet helps to overcome weakness. Increase in uric acid production results in increase in uric acid levels. Complete abstinence from alcoholic beverages helps. A low protein and high fiber diet is helpful. Protein should contribute about fifteen percent of calories, in the form of lean cuts of meat, poultry, and soy and so on. Complex carbohydrates in the form of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and cereals and so on are useful. Less than thirty per cent of calories should be by fat. Animal fats should be less than ten percent. Coffee, tea, chocolate and cocoa are the beverages that are permitted.
Fruits that prove beneficial are tangerines, tomatoes, blueberries, bananas, fresh cherries, strawberries, oranges, mandarins and so on. Certain vegetables, like red cabbage, parsley, green leafy vegetables, kale, red bell pepper and potato are effective foods for high uric acid levels.
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