Joint pain prevents us from exercising or doing simple tasks like walking. Unfortunately, it only gets worse as we age. This happens because the fluid (synovial fluid) in the joints reduces as we age. Reduction of this fluid increases friction on the joints and leads to arthritis.
But research also shows that uric acid can cause arthritis. Build-up of uric acid in the joints can damage joint tissues and cause pain. The build-up happens when the kidneys don’t excrete enough uric acid. It can also be triggered by the body converting purines to uric acid fast. Long-term build-up of uric acid can cause inflammation and reduce your mobility.
Switch to an Alkaline Diet
There’s been a never-ending argument about whether alkaline diets reduce acidity in the body or not. In fact, some experts have discredited them as useless. But what does research say? Well, this study found that alkaline diet enhances
excretion of uric acid through urine. On the other hand, researchers found that acidic foods reduce excretion of uric acid.
Another study affirms that alkaline diets can help reduce uric acid in the body. And they can prevent uric acid crystallization in joints.
Note that more research needs to be conducted on effect of diet on uric acid crystal.
Eat these alkaline foods
You simply need to reduce intake of acidic foods and eat more alkaline foods. Alkaline foods are mostly vegetables and legumes. Click on photo to the left for a super green boost, and see partial alkaline food list below:
- Red pepper
- Okra
- Olive oil
- Garlic
- Cabbage
- Lettuce
- Pumpkin
- Carrots
- Green, leafy vegetables
- Green onion
- Dried seaweed
- Tomato
- Tofu
- Cucumber
- Rye bread
Acidic foods are easy to identify, they’re processed foods, sugary foods, meat and bread.
Other than reducing acidity in the body, alkaline foods are low in calories and rich in fiber. They will help you lose weight and improve your heart health.
By Twain Yobra
