Uric acid: “forbidden” or not very recommended fruits if you suffer from hyperuricemia

Have the high uric acid (hyperuricemia) it can cause gout attacks, renal colic or cardiovascular diseases. Elevated uric acid levels are often associated with the consumption of seafood, red meat, or alcohol, but they are not the only foods to watch out for. He excess fructoseit is also harmful to people with hyperuricemia. There are some fruits that are considered prohibited –although they can be taken sporadically– because they have a lot of fructose, and others that are preferable because they have a lower fructose content.

High uric acid: what is it due to?

He uric acid is a waste product that is formed as a result of purine metabolisma substance that our bodies naturally produce when cells die and is also found in many of the foods and beverages we consume.

Most of the uric acid dissolves in the blood and, after our kidneys filter it out, is eliminated through the urine.

A certain amount of uric acid is good because it has a antioxidant effect on the blood. However, when our kidneys cannot eliminate uric acid, either because we overconsume foods that contribute to its formation or because our kidneys are sluggish or inefficient (often as a consequence of the passage of time) is when the problems begin.

In women, a quantity of uric acid between 2 and 4 mg per deciliter of blood is considered normal. In men, up to 6.8 mg/dl.

above the 6 mg/dl in women and of 7 mg/dl in men it is considered that there are too high levels (hyperuricaemia).

What if I have high uric acid?

Excess uric acid forms crystals that accumulate around the joints and can cause pain, stiffness and immobility, a condition known as dropand usually affects the joints of the big toe, knees and ankles.

Main gout symptoms are the Intense painhe redness of the affected area and the fever.

Hyperuricemia can also affect the kidneys and cause kidney stones either renal insufficiency.

In addition, there is increasing evidence that high uric acid levels are related to the appearance of cardiovascular diseases.

Fructose increases uric acid

One of the ways to correct uric acid levels in our body is take care of what we eat.

It is known that alcohol or foods rich in purines such as shellfish, oily fish, sausages or red meat facilitate the formation of uric acid crystals. However, these are not the only foods that must be moderated. People with high uric acid should also be careful with fructoseas there is increasing evidence that it can stimulate the production of uric acid in the blood.

Fructose is the natural sugar that fruits contain (and vegetables) and that gives them their sweet taste. It is also found in the Fruit juice and as an additive (for example, in sugary soft drinkscandy, desserts, sauces or breakfast cereals) or fructose powder.

Uric acid: forbidden fruits or to be taken at the discretion

Fruits contribute to hydration and are an excellent source of vitamins such as C, both factors associated with a lower incidence of uric acid high in blood They also contain minerals, fiber and other beneficial substances and are not as high in sugar as sugary drinks or candy.

For all these reasons, it is not a question of eliminating them from the diet, but it must be taken into account that, although all fruits contain fructose (most only between 1.5 and 4.5 grams per 100 g), some have a higher content and should not be consumed in excess if you have elevated uric acid levels. For example:

Fruit Amount of fructose per 100 grams Raisins 35 g of fructose per 100 g. Dates 25 g of fructose per 100 g. Grapes 8.5 g of fructose per 100 g. Persimmon 8 g of fructose per 100 g. Pear 7.5 g of fructose per 100 g.

Uric acid: fruits you should choose

On the other hand, some studies indicate that the cherry consumption (containing about 6 g of fructose per 100 g) is associated with lower uric acid levels and with a decreased gout attacks. Additionally, the pigments that give cherries their deep red color, called anthocyanins, are antioxidants and help reduce inflammation in the body.

If you have high uric acidyou can choose those fruits with a low fructose content as:

Coconut (0 g) Apricot (0.8 g) Lime (0.8 g) Melon (1.3 g) Pineapple (2 g) Strawberries (2.3 g) Currants (3 g) Papaya (3.5 g)