Virat Kohli said in the Instagram Live session in 2020, “Left eating meat just before the England Test series. In 2018, when we went to South Africa, I had a cervical spine issue while playing a test match. It compressed a nerve that was running straight to the little finger of my right hand. It gave me a tingling sensation and I could barely feel my little finger. I could not sleep at night and it was hurting like mad”.
“Then I got my tests done and my stomach was too acidic and my body was too acidic, creating too much uric acid. Even though I was taking calcium and magnesium, everything but one tablet was not sufficient for my body to function properly. So, my stomach started pulling calcium from my bones and my bones got weaker. That is why I stopped eating meat completely in the middle of England tour to cut down the uric acid and I have never felt better in my life, to be honest”.
If you are a vegetarian or have shifted to being a vegetarian like Virat Kohli did back then, or simply looking at cutting down on non-veg, check out some veg superfoods which experts say can help in uric acid management.
Lentils are a low-purine source of plant-based protein, making them a suitable option for individuals with high uric acid levels. Unlike some animal proteins, lentils provide essential nutrients without significantly raising uric acid levels, helping to maintain a healthy diet while managing gout or hyperuricemia.
Boiled vegetables are an excellent choice for those with high uric acid, as they are low in purines and easy to digest. Boiling can help reduce the purine content in some vegetables, making them safer for consumption while still providing vital nutrients that support overall health.
Soy-based products and tofu are low-purine alternatives to animal proteins, ideal for managing high uric acid. These plant-based foods provide necessary protein without significantly increasing uric acid levels, making them a healthy choice for individuals looking to control or reduce gout symptoms.
Gluten-free bread and nut butter are uric acid-friendly options, as they are low in purines. Nut butter, especially almond or peanut butter, offers healthy fats and protein without contributing to elevated uric acid levels, making it a safe and nutritious snack for those managing hyperuricemia.
Green tea with lemon is beneficial for those with high uric acid levels due to its antioxidant properties. Green tea can help reduce uric acid production, while lemon, rich in vitamin C, may promote the excretion of excess uric acid, making this drink a healthy option for managing gout.
Remember, every body type is different and vegetarian or non vegetarian, there’s no one size fits all. The content in the previous slides are for generic information only and should not be considered as alternative to a medical expert’s advice. If you have uric acid issues, consult a doctor and/or certified dietitian to tailor your diet and other requirements.