Can high uric acid levels be reduced through exercise?
Jul 29, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yang Tiesheng
Introduction
In general, whether elevated uric acid levels can be reduced through exercise depends on the specific circumstances. For mild elevations without significant symptoms, appropriate physical activity may help lower uric acid levels. However, if uric acid levels are markedly elevated or accompanied by symptoms such as gout, exercise alone may not be sufficient to reduce them. To assist in controlling uric acid levels, it is advisable to choose suitable forms of exercise in daily life and avoid strenuous activity and excessive fatigue.
Generally speaking, whether elevated uric acid levels can be reduced through exercise depends on the specific circumstances. If the uric acid level is only mildly elevated without obvious symptoms, appropriate physical activity may help lower it. However, if the uric acid level is significantly increased or accompanied by symptoms such as gout, exercise alone may not be sufficient to reduce uric acid levels. Detailed analysis is as follows:
If uric acid levels are only mildly elevated and there are no symptoms such as joint pain or swelling, appropriate exercise can help reduce uric acid. Moderate physical activity can promote metabolism, assist in the excretion of uric acid, reduce fat accumulation, and improve insulin resistance, thereby indirectly aiding in the control of uric acid levels. Choosing moderate-intensity exercises such as brisk walking or swimming, and maintaining them over time, may result in a decrease in uric acid levels.
When uric acid levels are significantly elevated, or symptoms such as gouty arthritis or joint deformities have already appeared, it is difficult to reduce uric acid through exercise alone. At this stage, uric acid metabolism is significantly abnormal. Improper intensity of exercise might lead to lactic acid buildup, which could inhibit uric acid excretion, worsen joint damage, and even trigger an acute gout attack. Therefore, additional interventions such as dietary adjustments are required.
To help control uric acid levels, it is important to choose suitable forms of exercise in daily life, avoid strenuous activity and excessive fatigue, and replenish fluids promptly after exercise to promote uric acid excretion.
