Friday, October 29, 2010

Find Uric Acid Free Foods







Gout is a form of arthritis which is caused when excessive levels of uric acid build in the blood. As a result, crystals can form in the joints, causing pain, inflammation and swelling. If you have arthritis, kidney problems or suffer from gout it is important to limit as much uric acid in your diet as possible. A few tips will help you to find more uric acid free foods.


Instructions


1. Eat lots of fresh fruit, a food free of uric acid. In general, protein rich foods, particularly meats, are the highest in uric acid. Fruit contains little to no protein but is delicious and packed full of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants which can also help to relieve joint pain and boost overall health.


2. Enjoy plenty of fresh vegetables as well, another great way to get all of the vitamins and minerals your body needs, free of uric acids. While most vegetables are safe, you must take care with beans and peas, as they are high in protein and therefore high in uric acid.


3. Keep your carbohydrates complex, such as whole grains, cereals, pastas and brown rice. Not only are complex carbohydrates low in or free from uric acid, they are a great source of fiber, they also help to regulate blood sugar, cholesterol and improve digestion and elimination.


4. Get some protein in your diet by choosing protein sources that don't excessively elevate uric acid levels. Good sources include cottage cheese, yogurt and even tofu. Tofu is a great way to replace meat, as when cooked it has a similar texture to chicken. You can even break the tofu into bits, season and cook as you would hamburger.








5. Include foods such as mushrooms, spinach, cauliflower, asparagus and even small portions of turkey and chicken. While these foods are sources of protein, they do not seem to increase the risk of gout and are therefore safe foods for a uric acid free diet.

Tags: uric acid, uric acid, also help, free uric, vitamins minerals