Many of us may be familiar with the blood test uric acid and how it relates to gout. How many of you are aware of the causes of elevated uric acid? Do you know how elevations in uric acid affect brain health? How many of you have had your blood test for uric acid checked?
Uric acid occurs in the body from the breakdown of substances called purines. In the body we normally produce purines; but they also come from foods such as liver, red meats, anchovies, mackerel, dried beans, alcohol and foods containing fructose. When uric acid elevates it lowers a substance called Nitric Oxide (N.O.) Our bodies need adequate amounts of Nitric Oxide in order to lower inflammation and enhance our immune system. Nitric oxide enhances brain health by improving blood flow and glucose delivery which reduces the risk of Alzheimer’s or other forms of memory loss.
Exercise and diet play a key role in increasing nitric oxide production. Nitrate rich foods include leafy greens, celery, parsley and certain root vegetables such as beets and carrots. Regular daily physical activity increases Nitric Oxide production which enhances our blood vessel health and blood flow to the brain.
One of the worse food drivers of elevations in uric acid is fructose. The other name for fructose is fruit sugar. Increased consumption of foods containing fructose can lead to not only elevations in uric acid but metabolic syndrome, type 2 Diabetes, Hypertension, elevated triglycerides and a driver to Alzheimer’s Disease. Certain foods/drinks contain high levels of fructose and should be avoided. These include:
- high fructose corn syrup
- Soda
- processed foods
- Fruit juices
Uric acid when elevated causes impairments in blood vessel function. So overall blood flow is compromised as well as our vascular health.
The major dietary contributor to elevations in uric acid is high fructose corn syrup. Not only does this food substance impair vascular health, but is a contributor to major chronic health conditions as mentioned above.
What are the best ways to increase nitric oxide production and lower uric acid
- eat a whole foods diet, consume those foods mostly plants that grow from the earth. Eating organic as much as possible to avoid pesticides.
- eliminate foods containing high fructose corn syrup, read labels. Most foods that contain this are in the middle isles of the grocery store. So the majority of your foods should be purchased in the produce, refrigerated and freezer sections
- move daily and enjoy the movement you do. Even getting in extra steps around the house with the normal chores you do such as dusting, vacuuming and doing laundry. Your brain will thank you!
