Do you want to live a healthier life, but don’t know where to start? You are in the right place ! The LUV weight loss diet is an amazing plan that can help you achieve your health goals. This diet was specially designed by experts to create a balanced and nutritious lifestyle to help you lose weight and better understand the impact nutrition has on your body. In this guide, we’ll explore what exactly constitutes the LUV Diet, its benefits, and tips on how to make it work for YOU. So, let’s dive into the heart of the matter.
What is the principle of the LUV diet?
The LUV (Lower Ulric Value) Diet is an innovative nutritional approach that aims to reduce uric acid levels in the body, especially for people with gout or hyperuricemia. This three-week program offers a specific eating plan to eliminate uric acid triggers, promote healthy weight loss, and improve overall health.
The LUV diet primarily focuses on reducing the consumption of foods high in fructose, alcohol, and purines. These three are the main sources of uric acid in the body and can contribute to increased uric acid levels, thus causing gout attacks and other health problems.
LUV diet: Which foods to eat and which to avoid?
Foods high in fructose:
Fructose is a natural sugar found in many fruits, vegetables and processed foods. High-fructose foods to avoid on the LUV diet include:
- Sugary drinks.
- Confectionery.
- Syrups and honey.
- Fruit juices.
- Certain dried fruits such as apricots, dates, figs and raisins.
- Certain fruits such as pears, cherries, kiwis.
- Processed foods.
It is important to learn to read nutrition labels to avoid products with added fructose.
Alcoholic beverages:
Alcohol is another source of uric acid and therefore it is recommended to limit its intake on the LUV diet. People on this diet should avoid or reduce the consumption of alcoholic beverages, especially beer and hard liquors. Moderation is key, with occasional and responsible drinking recommended.
Foods high in purines:
Purines are organic compounds found in certain foods and in the cells of the body. Foods high in purines include:
- The offal.
- Seafood.
- Red meats.
- Oily fish.
- On the LUV diet, these foods should be avoided or eaten in moderation.
The LUV diet also encourages the consumption of foods low in uric acid to promote weight loss and improve overall health. These foods include lean proteins, low-fat dairy products, whole grains, fruits and vegetables low in fructose and purines, and good fats, such as those from nuts, seeds, and vegetable oils.
In addition to an adapted food plan, the LUV diet recommends the adoption of a healthy lifestyle, in particular the practice of regular physical exercises, adequate hydration, the management of stress and the maintenance of a sleep of quality.
What happens to our body in case of excess uric acid?
Uric acid is a waste product produced by the body during the breakdown of purines, substances found in certain dietary proteins. Excess uric acid can cause health problems, such as:
Drop :
Gout is a form of arthritis caused by excess uric acid in the blood. The buildup of this acid can cause deposits of sodium urate crystals in the joints, causing severe pain, redness, swelling, and decreased joint mobility. Gout usually affects the big toe, but it can also affect other joints like the knee, ankle, and wrist.
Kidney stones:
Excess uric acid can also promote the formation of kidney stones. Urate crystals can form and clump together to form stones in the kidneys, causing excruciating pain in the lower back and abdominal area, along with other symptoms such as nausea, vomiting and the frequent need to urinate. Kidney stones in the presence of excess uric acid can also cause urinary tract infections and kidney damage.
Uric acid can even impact our weight:
An imbalance in uric acid levels can be associated with metabolic problems, including obesity. A study found that people with high uric acid levels were more likely to gain weight, even after adjusting for known risk factors such as diet, calorie intake and physical activity levels . This link between uric acid and obesity could be due to an interaction between uric acid and insulin, a key hormone in the regulation of sugar and fat metabolism. Excess uric acid could reduce insulin sensitivity, increasing the risk of insulin resistance and weight gain.
Supplementation: Yes! You have the right to counter the impact of uric acid on the body.
Remember to check with your doctor before starting these supplements to ensure they are safe and effective for your personal situation.
Quercetin (500 mg/day):
This polyphenol, found in many fruits and vegetables, acts as a powerful antioxidant to help protect cells from free radical damage. It also has anti-infective properties, which can help fight viral and bacterial infections. Additionally, it is anti-inflammatory, which can help relieve pain and swelling associated with excess uric acid.
DHA (1000 mg/day):
This omega-3 fatty acid, found primarily in fatty fish like salmon and sardines, has been shown to help reduce inflammation throughout the body, including the brain. It has also been shown to help stop the harmful effects of a high sugar diet, which can contribute to uric acid buildup in the body.
Vitamin C (500 mg/day):
Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is a powerful antioxidant that helps neutralize free radicals in the body and boost the immune system. When it comes to uric acid, several studies have shown that vitamin C can help reduce uric acid levels in the blood. For example, a 2005 study of 184 participants found that consuming 500 mg of vitamin C daily for two months significantly reduced uric acid levels in men. Additionally, a meta-analysis of 13 studies demonstrated that vitamin C intake was associated with lower blood uric acid levels.
Chlorella (1,200 mg/day):
Chlorella, on the other hand, is a unicellular micro-algae rich in proteins, vitamins, minerals and chlorophyll. It is considered a superfood due to its high content of health-promoting nutrients. Chlorella is particularly effective in helping the body eliminate toxins, including uric acid. The chlorophyll in chlorella acts as a natural cleansing agent for the blood and organs, helping to detoxify and eliminate metabolic wastes. In addition, chlorella has anti-inflammatory and alkalizing properties that help reduce the harmful effects of uric acid on the body.
