When uric acid levels become elevated in the blood, it causes a condition referred to as hyperuricemia. Unfortunately, this, in turn, can also cause other, very painful problems like gout.

Elevated levels of uric acid typically result from increased production of uric acid in the body or decreased excretion of it through the kidneys. Not only can this cause uric crystals to begin forming around the joints (usually in the foot around the big toe) as well as kidney stones and renal failure.

Uric acid is a waste product that is caused by the normal deterioration of purines in the body. These purines are found in various foods like liver, mushrooms, anchovies, mackerel and dried beans according to the NIAMS. 

While the kidneys usually filter our levels of uric acid, high levels of it can begin to accumulate in our body. This high concentration of uric acid in the blood is then turned into urate crystals which accumulate around our joints. Causes for this include genetics, obesity, kidney issues, lead exposure, over-indulgence of alcohol and taking diuretics or niacin.

So, how do we know whether or not our levels are too high?

Symptoms

• Intense joint pain that is most severe in the first 12-24 hours
• Joint pain that lasts for a few days to a few weeks and then spreads to more joints over time
• Redness, tenderness, and swelling of the joints

Thankfully, there are blood tests which can determine if your levels of uric acid are too high or not. And if they are, there are a number of effective home remedies to help you to combat them.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Due to its detoxifying nature, apple cider vinegar is wonderful for removing waste products like uric acid from the body. Not only can it break it down, it can also completely eliminate it from your body. Just add one teaspoon of raw, organic, unpasteurized apple cider vinegar to a glass of water daily. 

Cherries

Cherries, along with dark berries contain certain chemicals which can combat elevated uric acid levels. Try adding 1/2 cup of cherries to your diet each day for best results. You can also make it into a juice.

Olive Oil

Vegetable oils turn into rancid fats once they are in our body. These rancid fats destroy the vital vitamin E in the body, which is necessary to control uric acid levels. Use olive oil when cooking and baking. You can also use it as a salad dressing along with lemon juice for even more healing power!