natural ways to lower high levels of urid acid...?

My doctor put me on prescription drug Zyloric a couple of months ago, after my uric acid levels turned out to be too high. However, I have not (and have never had) any symptoms or signs of gout. I am wondering if there are any supplements that you could use to naturally lower uric acid levels, without having to resort to prescription drugs...? I have seen that there are literally hundreds of supplements out there, but what I'd really like to know is if anyone has used any of them, and knows for a fact they work...? Or do high levels of uric acid always require prescription drugs...?

[diogenes Remembering]

A substance called colchicine can have useful effects. It is safer than non steroidal antiinflammatories, but does not act as a pain reducer with gout, only as a dissolver of the uric acid crystals. I don't know if this is available off prescription, but its brand name is Colchis.

[ianessex]

Drinking plenty water and watching diet can help. Or doc could try another medication to reduce it down. Colchicine is more for gout attack, it won't generally reduce uric acid levels. But the doc might suggest it in combination with a reducing med to help prevent gout attack whilst reducing acid levels . Some people swear by cherry juice,, did nothing for me. I had gout attack two years ago and was terrible pain,, colchicine was great for it plus watching diet. Almost zero tomatoes is big help to me.

[Hidden in reply to ianessex]

Interesting, thanks to both of you!

[humanbean]

Reduce intake of purine-rich foods such as offal, shellfish, oily fish, game, meats, yeast extracts, asparagus, and spinach.

Alcohol raises uric acid production and reduces its excretion, so keep levels down or avoid altogether.

A high fibre diet is supposed to be helpful.

Look into devil's claw - supposed to reduce pain and encourage excretion of uric acid.

Dark blue-red fruits are alleged to lower uric acid levels e.g. grapes, blueberries, bilberries, cherries.

Drink at least 2 litres of fluid a day.

Folic acid and B12 can reduce uric acid production. (I don't know whether methylfolate has the same effect as folic acid in this case.)

Vitamin C increases excretion of uric acid. Non-acidic forms of vitamin C are to be preferred.

Vitamin A and vitamin B3 intake above the RDA should be avoided as high levels can increase production of uric acid.

In acute attacks of gout Bromelain is supposed to be helpful.

All the above info gleaned from this book :

amazon.co.uk/Essential-Guid...

[Hidden in reply to humanbean]

Thanks, very interesting info!

[linlow]

You really need to look into what about your current lifestyle is causing your high levels. That would give a better foundation to finding the right treatment for reduction. A change in your diet might just be the solution you are looking for.

Lemon juice works well. Although lemon is an acid fruit, once it gets into the body it has an alkaline effect. If you use organic fruit you can also grate the peel into your food for the added benefits. Apple cider vinegar is another alternative.

[Hidden in reply to linlow]

Interesting! I just read a health tip: mix a glass of lemon juice (one squeezed lemon + water) with half a teaspoon of Himalayan salt, stir it and drink it every morning before breakfast.

[galathea]

My husband has gout and was prescribed all sorts of nasty stuff..... None of which totally worked.... But then i got him on to apple cider vinegar..... The raw stuff with the 'mother.' And it sorts him out just great..... Maybe worth you giving it a try? You just drink it .... A couple of tablespoonful.... I mix it with apple juice...

Xx. g.

[Hidden in reply to galathea]

Thanks for the tip! I actually love apple cider vinegar on salads, with some olive oil...so I am going to try that. Cheap and simple, as well as easily available, just that way I like it

[knitwitty]

Hi i have only just seen your question but would like to suggest something that worked for my sister-in-law when she had gout and her uric acid levels were high.

She saw a herbalist and they recommended celery seed tea a few times a day. You place 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of celery seeds into a mug and pour boiling water over the top. Leave to steep for about 5 mins, some seeds float on the surface and they can either be drunk with the tea or skimmed off with a teaspoon. The tea is quite pleasant and has a vague celery taste.

This completely eradicated her gout and presumably the high levels of uric acid, it is worth a try as no drugs are involved.

Good luck!

[Hidden in reply to knitwitty]

OK, also sounds like a good - and inexpensive - tip..

[posthinking01]

Vitamin C - and also Magnesium help gout

news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/...

[scttpoff]

I use Uric acid control by life extension only been on it a few weeks but have had no fair ups. The research article they publish is a good read I am pretty sure you can find on the Internet.

[adin]

I used Goutrin(canadian product by Organika) and gout is gone. Sleep apnea may trigger gout.

[Hidden]

OK, thanks to all who responded and offered advice! There seems to be a lot you can do on your own to reduce uric acid levels and prevent gout...your posts give me new hope