Usually, a human body filters out uric acid through kidneys and in urine. If you consume too much purine or if your body is unable to remove this by-product quickly enough, uric acid can build up in your blood, as per various health reports published by Health Line.

A standard uric acid level is under 6.8 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL)Trusted Source. A high uric acid level (above 6.8 mg/dL) is considered hyperuricemia. This can lead to gout and make your blood and urine too acidic.

Learn about conditions and factors that can cause uric acid to collect in your body, and read on to learn how you can lower uric acid levels in your body naturally.

Limit purine-rich foods

You can limit the source of uric acid. Purine-rich foods include some meats, seafood, and vegetables. All of these foods contribute to uric acid when digested.

Avoid or reduce your intake of purine-rich foods, such as:

red meat

organ meats

fish

shellfish

poultry

A 2020 study suggests that reducing your intake of purine-rich vegetables may not affect uric acid levels.

Avoid sugar

Fructose is a natural sugar in fruit and honey. As your body breaks down fructose, it releasesTrusted Source purines and increases uric acid levels.

Drink more water

Drinking plenty of fluids helps your kidneys flush out uric acid faster. The kidneys filter out about 70%Trusted Source of the uric acid in your body.

Drinking enough water can help support your kidneys and may reduce your risk of uric acid kidney stones.

Keep a water bottle with you at all times. Set an alarm every hour to remind you to take a few sips.

Drink coffee

Research from 2016 shows that coffee may help reduce serum uric acid levels in two main ways:

It competes with the enzyme that breaks down purines in the body, lowering the uric acid production rate.

It increases the rate at which your body excretes uric acid.

Other research from 2016 suggests there’s enough evidence in support of caffeine’s ability to lower uric acid levels. A 2021 studyTrusted Source also found frequent coffee intake was not significantly associated with hyperuricemia risk.

Researchers note that further studies are needed to clarify whether coffee may affect uric acid levels.

Manage weight

Excess body fat may contribute to elevated uric acid levels. More weight may cause your kidneys to work less efficiently. It can also increase uric acid production and decrease the excretion of uric acid through urine.

Manage blood sugar

Research from 2019Trusted Source shows that hyperuricemia is linked to the development of diabetes and related complications. People with high blood sugar, such as those living with prediabetes or diabetes, are also at an increased riskTrusted Source of adverse effects of hyperuricemia. However, more research is needed to explore this link.

Add more fiber to your diet

Eating more fiber can help reduce uric acid levels. Fiber can also help balance your blood sugar and insulin levels. It tends to increase satiety, keeping you full for longer.

Boost vitamin C intake

Research from 2021Trusted Source has found that high vitamin C intake can help lower uric acid levels. However, more studies are needed to understand exactly how vitamin C affects uric acid levels.

Eat cherries

Research from 2019Trusted Source has found that eating cherries and drinking cherry juice can help lower uric acid levels in people with gout. Follow-up studies are needed to determine the long-term effects of cherry intake on uric acid levels.