Can I eat Houttuynia cordata if I have high uric acid?

Generally speaking, people with high uric acid can consume Houttuynia cordata, as long as it is done in moderation. Detailed explanation is as follows:

Houttuynia cordata is a plant used both as food and medicine. It is rich in dietary fiber, flavonoids, and various trace elements. It has low purine content and is considered a low-purine ingredient. Therefore, individuals with high uric acid can consume it without significantly increasing their body's purine levels, avoiding exacerbation of uric acid production due to excessive purine intake. Meanwhile, Houttuynia cordata is slightly cold in nature and possesses functions of clearing heat, detoxifying, promoting diuresis, and relieving urinary discomfort. Its diuretic effect can increase urine production, helping the body excrete more uric acid, thus assisting in lowering blood uric acid concentration to some extent. Additionally, the active ingredients in Houttuynia cordata can inhibit inflammatory responses in the body. It may help alleviate mild joint discomfort or inflammation potentially caused by elevated uric acid levels, and its natural properties are relatively mild, making it suitable as a daily dietary supplement for auxiliary regulation.

Although Houttuynia cordata does not have a direct therapeutic effect on high uric acid, excessive consumption may burden the gastrointestinal system and cause discomfort. Therefore, it is recommended that patients control their intake. Individuals with high uric acid should maintain a balanced diet in daily life, eat more fresh fruits and vegetables, and avoid high-purine foods such as seafood and animal offal. These foods have high purine content, and their consumption may further elevate uric acid levels.