Gut and weight-loss coach Dipika Rampal recently challenged this long-held belief in an Instagram post, arguing that elevated uric acid is more closely linked to metabolic health than to protein intake alone.<\/p>\n
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<\/p>\n\u201cIf you\u2019ve cut eggs, chicken and even dal \u2014 and your uric acid still won\u2019t budge. Uric acid isn\u2019t a protein problem. It\u2019s a metabolic SIGNAL. When insulin runs high, your kidneys hold onto uric acid instead of flushing it out. So the fix isn\u2019t more restriction \u2014 it\u2019s fixing the driver.\u201d<\/p>\n
DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and\/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n She went on to recommend a few lifestyle changes:<\/p>\n * Cut cola and packaged snacks \u201cThis is the root-cause, not-restriction approach I use with my clients (PCOD, prediabetes, fatty liver, high BP \u2014 I see you),\u201d she added.<\/p>\n But how much of this is backed by science? According to Dr Sukirti Misra, Consultant Endocrinologist, KIMS Hospitals, Thane, the coach\u2019s claim is broadly accurate, but it needs important medical context.<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Dr Misra says there is a well-established link between insulin resistance and elevated uric acid levels.<\/p>\n Story continues below this ad<\/p>\n<\/div>\n \u201cThe statement is largely accurate, but it needs some medical context,\u201d she says. \u201cPersistently high insulin levels, particularly in people with insulin resistance, obesity or type 2 diabetes, can reduce the kidneys\u2019 ability to excrete uric acid efficiently. As a result, uric acid accumulates in the bloodstream, increasing the risk of hyperuricaemia and gout.\u201d<\/p>\n However, she cautions against viewing uric acid as solely a metabolic problem.<\/p>\n \u201cElevated uric acid is a multifactorial condition. While metabolic dysfunction is a major contributor, genetics, kidney function, certain medications and dietary factors also play important roles. It is therefore more appropriate to view high uric acid as a metabolic condition influenced by multiple factors rather than simply a protein-related problem,\u201d Dr Misra explains.<\/p>\n \u201cThis is one of the most common misconceptions. Not all protein-rich foods raise uric acid levels,\u201d she says.<\/p>\n Story continues below this ad<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Dr Misra explains that eggs, dairy products and most plant-based proteins, including lentils, can generally be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. Lean chicken can also be included in appropriate portions for many individuals.<\/p>\n Instead, she recommends paying closer attention to foods that are known to worsen metabolic health.<\/p>\n \u201cThe greater concern today is poor metabolic health. Insulin resistance, obesity, excessive intake of sugar-sweetened beverages, foods high in fructose and ultra-processed foods are strongly associated with elevated uric acid because they worsen insulin resistance and increase uric acid production,\u201d she says.<\/p>\n There are, however, certain foods that deserve more caution.<\/p>\n \u201cRed meat, organ meat and certain seafood should be limited or avoided, particularly in people with recurrent gout or persistently high uric acid,\u201d Dr Misra advises.<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Story continues below this ad<\/p>\n<\/div>\n According to Dr Misra, treating high uric acid isn\u2019t just about lowering a laboratory value\u2014it requires improving overall metabolic health.<\/p>\n \u201cLong-term management involves addressing both uric acid levels and the underlying metabolic risk factors,\u201d she says.<\/p>\n She recommends:<\/p>\n * Maintaining a healthy body weight DISCLAIMER:\u00a0This article is based on information from the public domain and\/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n
* Add fibre before meals
* Walk for 10 minutes after eating
* Improve your sleep<\/p>\n\n<\/blockquote>\n
Can high insulin levels increase uric acid?<\/h2>\n
Are eggs, chicken and lentils really to blame?<\/h2>\n
What\u2019s the best long-term strategy for managing high uric acid?<\/h2>\n
* Exercising regularly
* Staying well hydrated
* Limiting alcohol and sugar-sweetened beverages
* Reducing excessive intake of high-purine foods
* Managing diabetes, obesity and hypertension effectively<\/p>\n