Menu
eMediHealth Logo
Subscribe
No Result
View All Result
eMediHealth Logo
Subscribe
No Result
View All Result

Home > Nutrition > Is Broccoli Good for Lowering Uric Acid?

Is Broccoli Good for Lowering Uric Acid?

Updated on August 8, 2023
4 min read
By Shiza Khan, M.Sc. – Clinical Nutrition & Dietetics | Dietitian/Nutritionist

In this article:

  • How Broccoli Lowers Uric Acid
  • Why Is It Important to Lower Uric Acid in the Body?
  • Other Strategies to Lower Uric Acid Levels
  • How Do You Know Your Uric Acid Is High?
  • Practical Takeaways

Animal proteins from chicken, meat, fish, and dairy contain a type of molecule called purine. When this purine breaks down, it is converted to uric acid in the liver, intestines, and, to some extent, muscles and kidneys.

is broccoli good for lowering uric acid?

Purine is also formed in the human body from the normal breakdown of DNA molecules. In a healthy adult, this uric acid is excreted from the body via urine. (1)

Uric acid levels can rise in the body – a condition known as hyperuricemia – when you consume large amounts of purine-rich foods or if you have kidney stones or a kidney disorder. (2)

In recent studies, vitamin C has been identified as a potent nutrient that can flush uric acid from the body. (3) Since broccoli is very high in vitamin C, with 100 g of raw broccoli providing 89 mg of vitamin C (99% of the daily value), it can be beneficial in lowering uric acid levels in the body. (4)

Advertisements

How Broccoli Lowers Uric Acid

As discussed above, broccoli contains vitamin C, which can improve the function of the kidneys and the clearance of uric acid from the body.

Studies have identified doses of 500 mg/day of vitamin C for at least 2 months to be effective in reducing serum uric acid levels. (3)(5)

Some experts do show concern over broccoli being a purine-rich vegetable. However, most studies have found the risk of eating animal sources of purine to be of greater concern. (6)

Why Is It Important to Lower Uric Acid in the Body?

reasons why it is important to lower uric acid levels in the body

Excessive amounts of uric acid can cause the following complications: (2)

  • Gout, which is the accumulation of uric acid crystals in joints that causes arthritis with inflammation and pain
  • Uric acid kidney stones
  • Degradation or slowing down of kidney function due to excessive uric acid accumulation in the kidneys

To avoid the above complications, it is very important to ensure the proper removal of uric acid from the body.

Other Strategies to Lower Uric Acid Levels

Medication is usually the first line of treatment for lowering excessive uric acid levels, especially in the case of gout.

Advertisements

Fortunately, there are also some dietary and lifestyle management techniques you can employ to lower uric acid in the body: (7)

  • Limit the amount of purine-rich foods such as red meat, fish, and poultry in the diet.
  • Eat a diet high in whole grains, fruits, and vegetables.
  • Drink 2 liters of water each day.
  • Consume healthy fats from nuts.

How Do You Know Your Uric Acid Is High?

One of the first symptoms you experience with a high uric acid level is pain and inflammation in the joints. You can get lab tests done to assess the level of uric acid in your blood and urine. Consult your doctor immediately.

Practical Takeaways

practical takeaways regarding broccoli consumption and uric acid levels
  • Uric acid is formed in the body when a molecule called purine is broken down in the body. Purines are obtained from animal foods such as meat, fish, and poultry, but they are also formed in the body from the breakdown of DNA.
  • Uric acid is synthesized in the liver, kidneys, intestines, and, to some extent, muscles before it is cleared out from the body via urine.
  • One of the most important nutrients that help in the clearance of uric acid from the body is vitamin C. It improves the functioning of the kidneys and pushes uric acid out.
  • Since raw broccoli is high in vitamin C content, it can be included as part of the regular diet to reduce uric acid levels.
  • High uric acid levels in the body can cause complications such as arthritis, uric acid stones in the kidney, and deterioration of kidney function.
  • Other ways to lower uric acid levels include drinking 2 liters of water daily, limiting animal sources of food, eating healthy fat from nuts, eating whole grains and legumes, and including 4–5 servings of fruits and veggies in the diet.
References
  1. El Ridi R, Tallima H. Physiological functions and pathogenic potential of uric acid: A Review. Journal of advanced research. September 2017. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5512149/.
  2. Barr WG. Uric Acid. In: Walker HK, Hall WD, Hurst JW, editors. Clinical Methods: The History, Physical, and Laboratory Examinations. 3rd edition. Boston: Butterworths; 1990. Chapter 165. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK273/.
  3. Kakutani-Hatayama M, Kadoya M, Okazaki H, et al. Nonpharmacological Management of gout and hyperuricemia: Hints for better lifestyle. American journal of lifestyle medicine. September 2, 2015.  https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6125106/.
  4. Broccoli, raw. Broccoli, raw nutrition facts and analysis.  https://www.nutritionvalue.org/Broccoli%2C_raw_nutritional_value.html?size=100+g.
  5. Brzezińska O, Styrzyński F, Makowska J, Walczak K. Role of vitamin C in prophylaxis and treatment of gout-A literature review. Nutrients. February 22, 2021.  https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7926958/.
  6. Aihemaitijiang S, Zhang Y, Zhang L, et al. The association between purine-rich food intake and hyperuricemia: A cross-sectional study in Chinese adult residents. Nutrients. December 15, 2020.  https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7765492/.
  7. Yokose C, McCormick N, Choi HK. The role of diet in hyperuricemia and gout. Current opinion in rheumatology. March 1, 2021.  https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7886025/.
  • Was this article helpful?
  • YES, THANKS!NOT REALLY
Spread the Love❤️
Advertisements

You Might Also Like

Nutrition

Importance of Protein During Pregnancy and How to Get It

By Shiza Khan, M.Sc. – Clinical Nutrition & Dietetics

Read more

Newsletter

Get our BEST updates delivered to your inbox:



This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Categories

  • Nutrition
  • Wellness
  • Oral Care
  • Eye Care
  • Heart Health
  • Skin & Beauty
  • Women’s Health
  • Ear, Nose & Throat
  • Respiratory Health
  • Web Stories

Links

  • Home
  • About Us
  • Contact
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Cookie Policy
  • Editorial Policy
  • Advertising Policy
  • Subscribe to Newsletter
eMediHealth

This site provides content for informational purposes only. The information provided is not intended for use as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. In case of a medical concern or emergency, please consult your healthcare provider.

This website is certified by Health On the Net Foundation.

Our Network: Little Extra

© 2019 eMediHealth. All rights reserved.

No Result
View All Result
  • Nutrition
  • Skin & Beauty
  • Wellness
  • Yoga & Meditation
  • Women’s Health
  • Heart Health
  • Allergy & Immunology
  • Bones & Joints
  • Child Health
  • Digestive
  • Ear, Nose & Throat
  • Eye Care
  • Glands & Hormones
  • Health News
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Mental Health
  • Nervous System
  • Oral Care
  • Pain Management
  • Respiratory Health
  • Sleep Disorders
  • Urological Health
  • Web Stories

© 2019 eMediHealth. All rights reserved.