People who are looking for a solution to gout will try to reduce or eliminate foods high in purine. Purine is metabolized in the body, which causes an increase in uric acid levels, which can lead to gout symptoms. High purine foods should not be avoided if you have gout. Researchers have found a link between body acidity (gout) and the pH of the blood. Gout is more likely to develop if one has a high body acidity. A more alkaline body will encourage rapid uric acid elimination.
Acidity
As the body becomes more acidic, uric acid elimination slows down significantly. This is due to the stress that the body experiences trying to process both uric acid as well as acidic foods. The kidneys become constrained and cannot effectively expel excess uric acids. Acidity can be measured using a pH value between 0 and 14, where 0-6 is acidic, 7 neutral, and 8-14 alkaline.
Gout is not about the pH value of food. It is more about how the food affects the pH level of the body after and during digestion. The body is more acidic than the food, so uric acids can be dissolved easily in the bloodstream and expelled through the kidneys. Uric acid is more difficult to process the more acidic body pH.
Hyperuricemia
It is a condition in which the body is constantly acidic. Hyperuricemia, a medical term that refers to an increase in blood uric acid levels, can lead to gout. The uric acids become more concentrated and there is no place for it to go. It crystallizes in the spaces between the joints and connective tissue. Gout usually occurs in the big joint of the toe or one of the ankle joints.
However, it can also occur in any other joint. Gout is most common in the ankle and foot because they are farthest from the heart. Also, uric acid crystallizes at lower temperatures. Uric acid is formed by the body’s processing and breaking down purines. This natural substance is formed during cell building and can also be found in many foods. You should reduce your intake of these foods until your gout is under control, and your blood levels of uric acid are within acceptable limits. It is not a good idea to drastically change your diet overnight.
Conclusion
It is better to gradually introduce your new diet so that your body can adjust to the new food and maintain its processing capabilities at optimal levels. Your ultimate goal is to gradually increase your body’s alkalinity. You can monitor your progress with a saliva or home urine testing kit. Balance your diet by eating 70% food that is alkaline and 30% acidic.