Understanding Uric Acid: A Functional Medicine Approach
What Is Uric Acid?
Uric acid is a natural waste product created when your body breaks down purines, found in both food and your own cells. While it's normal to have some uric acid in your blood, high levels (called hyperuricemia) can trigger inflammation, joint pain, and contribute to chronic conditions like:
Gout
High blood pressure
Insulin resistance
Fatty liver
Brain fog or cognitive decline
Why Does Uric Acid Matter?
Recent research, including work by neurologist Dr. David Perlmutter, shows that uric acid isn't just about gout. Elevated levels can disrupt metabolism, block fat burning, and trigger inflammation throughout the body.
Even if your uric acid is "within range" on a lab test, functional medicine aims for optimal levels:
Goal: Uric acid < 5.5 mg/dL
Key Causes of High Uric Acid:
Fructose (especially from sugary drinks, agave, fruit juices)
Alcohol (especially beer)
High-purine animal foods (organ meats, anchovies, sardines)
Dehydration
Insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome
Poor gut health and microbiome imbalances
Symptoms of Elevated Uric Acid:
Joint pain (often big toe or knees)
Fatigue or brain fog
Bloating or metabolic dysfunction
Blood pressure or blood sugar issues
Weight gain, especially around the middle
Functional Medicine Ways to Lower Uric Acid:
🥜 Nutrition Changes:
Eliminate or greatly reduce fructose: Cut soda, fruit juice, agave syrup
Limit alcohol, especially beer
Avoid high-purine meats (organ meats, shellfish, anchovies)
Eat more vegetables, berries, and healthy fats (avocados, olive oil)
Try a low-carb, whole-food diet to reverse insulin resistance
☕ Lifestyle & Supplements:
Hydrate well → Aim for half your body weight in oz/day
Intermittent fasting can help improve uric acid metabolism
Exercise daily to enhance insulin sensitivity
Supplements that may help:
Vitamin C → supports uric acid excretion
Quercetin → plant flavonoid that lowers uric acid
Tart cherry extract → anti-inflammatory and uric acid lowering *NO SYRUP or JUICE
Berberine → improves blood sugar and metabolic health
Final Thoughts
Uric acid is more than a gout marker—it's a powerful metabolic signal. Through diet, hydration, lifestyle, and functional support, you can reduce uric acid levels and prevent long-term chronic disease.
"Drop Acid" by Dr. Perlmutter provides hope and tools for reversing metabolic disease through uric acid control.
If you have elevated Uric Acid levels or Gout and want a personalized prevention plan, book below and let’s work together to address the root causes and optimize your health.
