What causes high URIC ACID in the body? This is my question today. Many of our chronic diseases are associated with high uric acid levels. According to Dr. David Perlmutter, elevated Uric Acid is a common thread linking our rising chronic metabolic diseases such as obesity, diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, stroke, gout, insulin resistance, Non fatty liver disease, and Alzheimer’s.
“It’s time we put uric acid where it belongs, to measure it and follow it over time, as we do with blood pressure, and blood sugar.” Dr. David Perlmutter
Uric acid is a crystalline compound found in kidney stones. We are told that uric acid is a produced when the body breaks down purine. So, if that is true, should we avoid consumption of purines? Purines are said to be found in organ meats, red meats, and fatty fish. Then if we reduce purines, we can control uric acid naturally, and restore health. Right? Sadly, uric acid turns out to be difficult to control, and its source in the body might not be so simple. Where is the missing link in our medical understanding?
Can Uric Acid Levels Predict Future Cardiovascular Disease?
Surprisingly, Yes! A simple $2-blood test for uric acid can more-or-less predict whether you are at risk of developing heart failure in the future, according to new research from the Stanford University School of Medicine. “Our study shows that high levels of uric acid significantly increase your risk of developing heart failure later in life,” said Eswar Krishnan, MD, assistant professor of immunology.
New Discoveries Reveal FRUCTOSE Drives Uric Acid!
Recently, scientists and doctors have stepped forward with additional research which shows dietary purines may not be the main problem. It’s OK to reduce consumption of high-purine foods. But there’s more to the story.
Research now suggests that FRUCTOSE consumption is the biggest indicator of uric acid. Studies also show that high meat and seafood can increase uric acid levels somewhat. And they tell us that dairy consumption can help to reduce uric acid. However, eating purine-rich vegetables has no effect on uric acid levels. Great news! This means, vegetables are back on the menu!
We tend to assume that dietary purines causes uric acid. However, it turns out only a small percentage of uric acid in the body comes from dietary purines such as organ meats. The vast majority of uric acid is produced right inside our own body’s cells, NOT from the purines we eat. So, NOW WE KNOW WHAT IS DRIVING URIC ACID! HOORAY!
“Fructose sugar and all sugars that we eat are metabolized into purines, and this is the main driver of uric acid in the body.” Dr. David Perlmutter
What is Fructose?
Fructose is that delicious natural sweetness in fruits and vegetables. Fructose is half 50% of table sugar. So, anything that contains table sugar is high in fructose. High fructose corn syrup (HFCS) was introduced in the 1970’s, and production has increased rapidly. HFCS is used in many prepared foods worldwide as it’s the cheapest and most delicious sweetener available.
Where is Fructose Hidden?
Foods with extremely high fructose levels are soft drinks, sauces, condiments, and processed foods, consumption of which has skyrocketed in the last few decades. Is it any wonder that metabolic diseases are increasing worldwide?
“Fructose is a far bigger culprit than purines.” Dr. Perlmutter
To combat uric acid, Dr. Perlmutter says first and foremost, we must reduce our consumption of fructose. Not necessarily fruit — but hidden fructose in condiments, fruit juices, beverages of all kinds, soft drinks, etc. Beyond that, he suggests nutritional supplements demonstrated in peer-reviewed science to be help lower Uric Acid. These few supplements can produce a dramatic drop in uric acid in just a few weeks.
Dr. Robert Lustig, American pediatric endocrinologist says:
-
“Uric acid can be used as an indirect measure of fructose levels.”
-
“The more sugar you consume, the higher your uric acid level goes.”
-
“As fructose consumption increases, uric acid levels go up, blood pressure rises, and the risk of stroke is increased”
In his latest book, Drop Acid: The Surprising New Science of Uric Acid – The Key to Losing Weight, Controlling Blood Sugar, and Achieving Extraordinary Health, Dr. David Perlmutter says that even small uric acid elevations can have dangerous long-term consequences if left unchecked. People will do themselves a world of good by dropping acid — uric acid, that is.
The metabolism of fructose leads to the production of uric acid. And this is why fructose is such a powerful health threat.
Where do we find Fructose?
Fructose is 50% of table sugar. Fructose is added now via high fructose corn syrup to more than 60% of all packaged foods at the grocery store. Because we like sweet flavor.
Fructose is the most widely used sweetener in the world. Fructose is added to more that 60% of our grocery store foods. So, there’s plenty of opportunity these days to consume fructose sugar.
It’s not simply a problem of PURINES.
The Big Problem is HIDDEN FRUCTOSE.”
Dr. Perlmutter.
The 6-Step Solution to Reduce Uric Acid
- Dramatically reduce sweets, processed carbohydrates, fruits, fruit juices, and all sugars in processed foods.
- Follow an Alkaline Diet, and take ½ teaspoon baking soda 1-2 times daily in a bit of water.
- Reduce alcohol, especially beer.
- Measure your Uric Acid at home, using any test kit, such as EASYTOUCH GCU BLOOD URIC ACID TEST STRIP, 25 STRIPS/BOX available worldwide.
- Limit consumption of meat, high purine animal foods, like organ meats and scallops.
- Take these Five Key Supplements for Reducing Uric Acid according to Dr. Perlmutter:
- Luteolin: 100 mg/day
- Quercetin: 500 mg/day
- Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) 1,000 mg/day
- Vitamin C: 500 mg/day
- Chlorella 1,200 mg/day
What Can I Eat to Reduce Uric Acid?
- Whole, Fresh, Unprocessed Foods
- Low-Sugar Fruits: apples, oranges, lemons, limes, berries
- Vegetables: broccoli, kale, potatoes, zucchini, carrots, garlic, onions, Brussels sprouts
- Nuts: almonds, walnuts, macadamia nuts, pistachios, cashews
- Seeds: chia seeds, flax seeds, hemp seeds, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds
- Legumes: beans, peas, lentils, chickpeas, peanuts
- Whole grains: oats, millet, quinoa, couscous, farro, buckwheat, barley
- Dairy products: milk, yogurt, cheese, kefir, grass-fed butter
- Eggs: egg yolks and whites
- Herbs and spices: cinnamon, black pepper, turmeric, ginger, coriander, oregano, basil
- Unsweetened Beverages: water, tea, coffee
Avoid Foods that Increase Uric Acid
- Sugars: high-fructose corn syrup, agave syrup, honey, palm sugar, brown sugar, white sugar
- Refined carbohydrates: cake, cookies, crackers, white bread, pasta
- Condiments: Sweet & Sour Sauce, Ketchup, Peanut Sauce, Dips
- Sugar-sweetened beverages: soda, fruit juice, sports drinks, sweet tea
- Alcohol: beer, wine, liquor
- Organ meats: kidneys, tripe, liver, sweetbread, tongue
- Seafood: anchovies, trout, haddock, herring, sardines, tuna, mackerel
- Red meat: beef, lamb, pork
- Processed meat: ham, hot dogs, salami, bologna, jerky
Sources of Fructose are Everywhere!
- Sugar (50% Fructose, Glucose is the other 50%)
- Fructose
- High-fructose corn syrup
- Honey
- Brown sugar
- Palm or coconut sugar
- Agave syrup
- Confectioner’s sugar
- Maple syrup
- Molasses
- Sorghum sweetener
- Brown rice syrup
- Candy
- M&M’s
- Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups
- Vitamin Gummies
- Fruit juice, esp Grape juice
- Colas, all soft drinks
- Cake, cupcakes, desserts
- Condiments and dips
- Salad Dressings
- Soft Drink
- Apple Juice
- Sprite
- Dried fruit
- Ginger Ale
- Coconut water
- Cookies
- Acai berry drink
- Cherry or cranberry drink
- Any Tea sweetened
- Chips
- Apples
- Grapes
- Strawberry juice
- Pomegranate juice
- Dried Cranberries
- Tartar sauce
- Teriyaki Sauce
- Ketchup
- Raisins
- Sweet corn
- Pears
- Peach
- Bananas
- Mangos
- Dates
- Ice cream toppings
- Jams & Jellies
- Sweet wines
- Grapefruit juice
- Canned Tomato Puree
- Lime or Lemon Drinks
- Energy drinks
- Orange juice
- Figs
- Barbecue Sauce
- Papaya
- Mayonnaise
- Melon
- Red Bull Drink
- Dates
- Chocolates
- Sweet pickles
- Breakfast cereals
- Frozen foods
- Boxed dinners
Many Scientific Studies Indicate Danger of Fructose
“Excessive fructose consumption is associated with the development of metabolic syndrome and type II diabetes. Both conditions are well-known risk factors for cardiovascular and renal diseases. Uric acid synthesis is linked biochemically to fructose metabolism, thus the widespread consumption of this monosaccharide has been related to steady increasing levels of serum uric acid during the past few decades. Recent evidence has suggested that uric acid may act as a cardiorenal toxin. In this regard, experimental studies have suggested that the primary noxious effect of uric acid occurs inside the cell and is likely the stimulation of oxidative stress. More studies to disclose the harmful mechanisms associated with increasing intracellular uric acid levels after a fructose load are warranted.”
Which Fruits are Low in Fructose Sugar?
Control Body pH and Manage STRESS to Reduce Uric Acid
To alkalinize the body and reduce uric acid, we can eat according to the pH diet. We can also take Baking Soda to alkalinize the body quickly, reducing the risk of high uric acid. Sodium bicarbonate can prevent the formation of uric acid kidney stones and can help dissolve existing uric acid stones. Sodium bicarbonate makes the urine less acidic, so crystal formation less likely. Crystals develop when urine concentrations of minerals and other dissolved substances get so high that the minerals can no longer remain dissolved.
STRESS can also cause body acidity. It’s all connected. So when we reduce our stress responses, we are automatically controlling uric acid.
Dr. S. K. Hariachar, a nephrologist who oversees the Renal Hypertension Unit in Tampa, Florida stated, upon seeing the research on bicarbonate and kidney disease, “I am glad to see confirmation of what we have known for so long. I have been treating my kidney and gout patients with bicarbonate for many years in attempts to delay the need for dialysis, and now we finally have a legitimate study to back us up. Not only that, we have the added information that some people already on dialysis can reverse their condition with the use of sodium bicarbonate.”
“Studies conducted at the University of Bari in Italy clearly demonstrated that a hallmark of all tumors, regardless of their origin or background, is their acidic environment. In fact, tumor progression increased with an acidic pH.”
What Foods Are High in Purines?
Resources:
- High-Sugar Forbidden Fruits, Which Ones Make You Fat?, https://janeshealthykitchen.com/high-sugar-forbidden-fruits/
- Long Life Foods and Your body pH, https://janeshealthykitchen.com/long-life-foods-your-body-ph/
- Using Sodium Bicarbonate (Baking Soda) for Kidney Cancer, https://drsircus.com/cancer/sodium-bicarbonate-baking-soda-kidney-cancer/
- Dropping (Uric) Acid with Dr. David Perlmutter, https://holisticprimarycare.net/topics/functional-medicine/dropping-uric-acid-with-dr-david-perlmutter/
- VIDEO: How To Lower Our Uric Acid Levels | Dr David Perlmutter Series Ep 4, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WKOYa_54z6w
- The Untold Story of Uric Acid, https://drhyman.com/blog/2022/02/16/podcast-ep495/
- Recent advances in fructose intake and risk of hyperuricemia, https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0753332220309884
- Natural Gout Symptom Relief, http://goutezol.com/k/what_connection_does_uric_acid_have_with_alkaline_ph.aspx
- Alkaline Diet to Treat Gout, https://healthfully.com/316526-alkaline-diet-to-treat-gout.html
- Fructose, Uric Acid and Diabetes, https://www.drperlmutter.com/fructose-uric-acid-and-diabetes/
- The Connection Between Fructose and Uric Acid, By Dr. George Gillson, MD, PhD, CCFP, https://evolvewell.ca/the-connection-between-fructose-and-uric-acid/
- Uric acid and fructose: potential biological mechanisms, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22000649/
- My food Data, Nutrient Ranking: https://tools.myfooddata.com/nutrient-ranking-tool/Fructose/All/Highest/Household/Common/No
- PODCAST: The Peter Attia Drive – Robert Lustig, M.D., M.S.L. on Fructose, Processed Food, NAFLD, and Changing the Food System, https://podcastnotes.org/the-drive-with-dr-peter-attia/lustig/
- Effects of Uric Acid on Diabetes Mellitus and Its Chronic Complications, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31737070/
- Choi HK, et al. (2010). Fructose-rich beverages and risk of gout in women.
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21068145 - Fructose and gout: What’s the link? (2017).
blog.arthritis.org/gout/fructose-sugar-gout/ - Harrison L. (2015). Fructose and gout don’t mix.
rheumatologynetwork.com/gout/fructose-and-gout-dont-mix - High fructose corn syrup questions and answers. (2018).
fda.gov/food/ingredientspackaginglabeling/foodadditivesingredients/ucm324856.htm - Jamnik J, et al. (2016). Fructose intake and risk of gout and hyperuricemia: a systematic review and meta-analysis of prospective cohort studies.
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5073537/ - Martin KR, et al. (2011). The effect of 100% tart cherry juice on serum uric acid levels, biomarkers of inflammation and cardiovascular disease risk factors.
fasebj.org/doi/abs/10.1096/fasebj.25.1_supplement.339.2 - Mayo Clinic Staff. (2018). Can the foods you eat help to control gout?
mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/gout-diet/art-20048524 - Merriman N, et al. (n.d.). Sugar-sweetened beverages, urate, gout and genetic interaction introduction.
researchgate.net/publication/269395099_Sugar-Sweetened_Beverages_Urate_Gout_and_Genetic_Interaction_Introduction - NHANES III (1988-1994). (n.d.).
wwwn.cdc.gov/nchs/nhanes/nhanes3/Default.aspx - Rho YH, et al. (2011). The epidemiology of uric acid and fructose. DOI:
10.1016/j.semnephrol.2011.08.004 - The Association between Purine-Rich Food Intake and Hyperuricemia: A Cross-Sectional Study in Chinese Adult Residents, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33334038/
- Purine-Rich Foods, Dairy and Protein Intake, and the Risk of Gout in Men, https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa035700
- Low Purine Diet (aka, the Gout Diet): Foods to Eat vs. Avoid, https://draxe.com/nutrition/low-purine-diet/