The claim “7 natural remedies that help eliminate uric acid, which causes arthritis” is partly true but misleading.
The biggest issue is the phrase “uric acid, which causes arthritis.” Uric acid does not cause all forms of arthritis. High uric acid can cause a specific type of arthritis called Gout, but it is not the cause of more common forms such as Osteoarthritis or Rheumatoid arthritis.
What is uric acid?
Uric acid is a waste product produced when your body breaks down substances called purines, which are found naturally in your body and in certain foods.
Normally:
- The kidneys filter uric acid from the blood.
- It is removed in urine.
If your body produces too much uric acid or your kidneys don’t remove enough, blood levels can rise (called hyperuricemia). In some people, this leads to uric acid crystals forming in joints, causing gout.
Seven natural approaches that may help lower uric acid
These may help reduce uric acid levels or lower the risk of gout attacks, but they are not guaranteed treatments, especially if you already have gout or significantly elevated uric acid.
1. Drink plenty of water
Staying well hydrated helps the kidneys flush uric acid out of the body.
Aim for adequate fluid intake throughout the day, unless you’ve been advised to limit fluids because of another medical condition.
2. Eat more cherries
Some studies suggest cherries and tart cherry products may reduce the risk of gout attacks, possibly because they have anti-inflammatory compounds.
The evidence is promising but not conclusive.
3. Reduce sugary drinks
Drinks sweetened with high-fructose corn syrup or large amounts of sugar can increase uric acid production.
Examples include:
- Regular soft drinks
- Sweetened fruit drinks
- Energy drinks
4. Limit high-purine foods
Foods particularly high in purines include:
- Organ meats (liver, kidneys)
- Sardines
- Anchovies
- Mussels
- Some red meats
Not everyone needs to avoid these completely, but moderation can help if you have gout.
5. Maintain a healthy weight
Gradual weight loss can lower uric acid levels.
However, crash diets or prolonged fasting can temporarily increase uric acid, so slow, sustainable weight loss is generally preferred.
6. Limit alcohol
Alcohol—especially beer and spirits—can increase uric acid levels and trigger gout attacks in some people.
Reducing alcohol intake may lower the risk.
7. Eat more low-fat dairy products
Research suggests that low-fat milk and yogurt may help lower uric acid and reduce gout risk.
Do these remedies “eliminate” uric acid?
No.
Your body needs to produce some uric acid as part of normal metabolism. The goal is not to eliminate it, but to keep it within a healthy range.
If someone has frequent gout attacks or very high uric acid levels, lifestyle changes alone may not be enough. Prescription medications such as Allopurinol or Febuxostat are commonly used to lower uric acid under medical supervision.
Bottom line
Natural strategies such as staying hydrated, eating cherries, reducing sugary drinks, limiting high-purine foods and alcohol, maintaining a healthy weight, and consuming low-fat dairy may help reduce uric acid levels or decrease the risk of gout attacks. However, they do not eliminate uric acid, and they do not treat every type of arthritis. They are best viewed as supportive measures rather than replacements for medical treatment when gout or persistently high uric acid is present.
