Tips to Reduce Uric Acid Levels

 

The body makes uric acid, a waste product, by breaking down a chemical in certain food items like meat. This chemical is called purine. Most uric acid passes out of the body through the kidneys.

However, uric acid in the blood increases due to diet, genetics, certain health conditions, or medication. A high uric acid level in the body can cause gout and kidney stones.

High uric acid is treatable through diet, lifestyle changes, or medication.

This article discusses the causes of high uric acid levels in the body and its symptoms and diagnosis, as well as provides tips for maintaining low uric acid levels.

What are High Uric acid levels?

Uric acid normal range in the body is 2.5-7mg/dL for males and 1.5-6 mg/dL for females.

The body makes uric acid by breaking down a chemical called purine. Under normal conditions, kidneys get rid of most of the uric acid in the body.

When too much uric acid stays in the body, it can crystallize in the body, causing gout or kidney stones.

What Causes High Uric acid levels?

When the uric acid levels rise above normal in the body, it can be due to two reasons:

1. The body is making too much uric acid
2. The body is unable to get rid of enough uric acid
3. Both

Some causes that can lead to high uric acid levels in the body include:

1. Drinking too much alcohol
2. High blood pressure
3. Diabetes
4. Regular consumption of fructose, a kind of sugar found in sodas and processed food
5. Genetics

What are the High Uric Acid Symptoms?

High uric acid by itself often does not cause any symptoms. Hence, a person with a uric acid level above the normal level usually only notices the condition once the level is high enough to cause gout or kidney stones.

Symptoms of gout include:

1. Swollen or painful joints
2. Joints that feel warm to touch
3. Discolored, shiny skin around the joints

Symptoms of kidney stones are:

1. Back or side pain
2. Urine that is discoloured, bloody or smells unusual
3. Frequent urination
4. Nausea or vomiting

How is High Uric Acid Diagnosed?

When a person presents with symptoms of gout or kidney stones or is undergoing cancer treatment, the doctor can order the following tests to confirm high uric acid levels:

1. Uric Acid Test: This test determines the uric acid level in a blood or urine sample.
2. Joint Aspiration Test: In this test, the fluid from a swollen joint is removed through a needle and tested for uric acid.

How to Maintain Low Uric acid levels?

Some tips that can help lower uric acid levels in the body are:

1. Limiting Purine-Rich Foods

Purine-rich foods are the primary source of uric acid in the body. Limiting the intake of purine-rich foods reduces the uric acid levels in the body. These foods include:

1. Red meat
2. Shellfish
3. Poultry
4. Fish
5. Organ meats

 

2. Avoiding Sugar

Fructose, a type of sugar, releases purines in the body and can raise uric acid levels. Fructose found in sodas and processed food is absorbed quickly by the body. To avoid consuming excess fructose or sugar, one can follow the following steps:

1. Consuming whole foods
2. Quenching sugar cravings through fruits
3. Avoiding processed food
4. Replacing sweet drinks with water can help reduce fructose intake

 

3. Drinking More Water

Kidneys are responsible for flushing out around 70 percent of uric acid in the body. Drinking enough water can help pass out the urine acid faster and reduce the risk of kidney stones.

 

4. Avoiding Alcohol

Some types of alcoholic drinks, like beer, are rich in purine and can increase uric acid levels. All kinds of alcoholic beverages, whether high in purine or not, can cause dehydration and raise uric acid levels in the body. Hence, avoiding alcohol consumption can reduce uric acid levels in the body.

5. Drinking Coffee

Drinking coffee can increase the excretion rate of uric acid in the body, lowering its level. Additionally, coffee also reduces an enzyme that breaks down purine, reducing the uric acid production in the body.

High uric levels are associated with health conditions such as gout and kidney stones. Diet, lifestyle changes, or medication can reduce uric acid levels in the body. The symptoms of high uric acid are often only noticed once they are high enough to cause problems.

Upon noticing the symptoms of high uric acid levels mentioned here, it is always a good idea to consult a doctor and book a uric acid test at Dr Lal PathLabs.

FAQs

 

1. What happens when uric acid levels are high?

When uric acid levels are high, the kidneys can no longer process enough uric acid effectively. This can lead to conditions such as gout and kidney stones.

 

2. What is the best drink to lower uric acid?

Drinking enough water can help lower uric acid levels in the body.