Index:
- Root cause
- Reasons for Increase of Uric Acid
- Precautions to take care of stable levels of UA (P)
- Symptoms
- Lifestyle and Home Remedies
Root cause(s):
Overconsumption of alcohol, red meat, a purine-rich diet including vegetables as well as organ and glandular meats such as liver, kidney, and sweetbreads, specific types of seafood, consuming foods containing fructose and high blood pressure are the root causes of increasing uric acid level in blood.
Reasons for Increasing Uric Acid:
Uric acid levels in the human body can increase due to several reasons, including:
- Overproduction of uric acid: This can occur due to genetic factors or due to the rapid breakdown of cells and tissues in the body.
- Underexcretion of uric acid: This can occur when the kidneys are not able to properly filter and remove uric acid from the body.
- Dietary factors: Consuming a purine-rich diet, including red meat, seafood, and alcohol, can increase uric acid levels in the body.
- Medical conditions: Certain medical conditions such as gout, metabolic disorders, and certain cancers may lead to an increase in uric acid levels.
- Medications: Certain medications such as diuretics and aspirin can affect the uric acid level in the body.
It’s important to consult a doctor to determine the cause of high uric acid levels and the best treatment course.
Symptoms:
High levels of uric acid in the body can lead to several health problems, including:
- Gout: Uric acid crystals can build up in joints, causing gout, a type of arthritis characterized by redness, swelling, and intense pain in the affected joint.
- Kidney stones: Uric acid crystals can form stones in the kidneys, leading to kidney problems and potentially kidney failure.
- Chronic kidney disease: High uric acid levels can lead to damage to the kidneys and an increased risk of developing chronic kidney disease.
- Cardiovascular disease: Some studies have suggested a link between high uric acid levels and an increased risk of cardiovascular disease.
- Metabolic syndrome: High uric acid levels can be a component of metabolic syndrome, a group of conditions that increase the risk of heart disease, diabetes, and stroke.
It is essential to control uric acid levels which can be done by changing lifestyle and food consumption patterns. This includes a balanced diet, regular exercise, and avoiding alcohol, as well as medical treatment as prescribed by a doctor.
Lifestyle and home remedies:
Proper medication is the most effective way to treat gout attacks and prevention of recurrent symptom flares. However, lifestyle choices play a major role in controlling uric acid levels. Below are the lifestyle choices that can be helpful in controlling uric acid levels.
- Healthier beverages: Avoid drinking soda, drinks sweetened with fructose (fruit sugar), beer, and limit consumption of alcohol. Drinking non-alcoholic beverages can be helpful. Stay hydrated by drinking plenty f water and controlling uric acid formation.
- Avoid high purine-rich foods: Organ meats, such as liver, kidneys, and sweetbreads, and red meat such as lamb, pork, and beef are high purine-rich foods. Thus, avoiding such foods can help in controlling uric acid levels. Moreover, purine-rich seafood including mussels, anchovies, trout, scallops, and tuna can be avoided. People fearing losing adequate protein and prone to gout can opt for low-fat dairy products.
- Regular exercise to maintain body weight: It is essential to maintain a healthy weight of the body as it reduces the risk of gout. If not intense workouts, one can opt for low-impact physical activities such as walking, bicycling, and swimming which is easier on joints and has an overall impact on the body, muscles, and bones.