High uric acid: causes, symptoms, how to lower it and prevention

How to lower uric acid?

It should be noted that the levels considered normal for uric acid in the blood tend to oscillate between 3.0 and 7.0 mg / dL, although this is a level that usually varies depending on the laboratories.

Here are some basic tips that will let you know How to lower uric acid:

  • Eliminate red meats (pork and lamb), any type of consommé made with meats and tomatoes, as well as certain types of fish such as anchovies or sardines.
  • Also avoid the consumption of shellfish, especially until the moment when it is possible to lower uric acid levels.
  • Eliminates the consumption of alcoholic beverages, especially wine and beer.
  • Limit or eliminate from the habitual consumption stimulating drinks like tea, or soft drinks with gas.

It can also be useful to know how purify the kidneys, being ideal to purify them at least once a year.

How to prevent high uric acid

Although it is true that there are several causes of gout, the truth is that it is usually closely related to high levels of uric acid in the blood, either because our body produces it excessively, or when it has difficulty getting rid of it. .

Beware of red meats

In the kitchen it is possible prevent excess uric acid, highlighting especially red meats and derivatives for being one of the foods rich in purines.

For example, pork contributes 150 mg. of purines per 100 grams, veal meat contributes more than 160 mg., and chicken meat between 50 and 160 mg. of purines.

Meat products are also very rich in purines, such as meat broths, since they tend to pass into the water during cooking.

Legumes are also rich in purines

Although they are indispensable within a varied and balanced diet, purines also provide purines, highlighting in this sense the lentils as the foods of this group richer in these substances. In fact, 100 grams of lentils contribute between 50 to 160 mg.

Opt for low purine foods

They emphasize foods such as cereals and grains, fruits and natural vegetables, eggs and dairy products.

As we see, if in a blood test we have been diagnosed with hyperuricemia, the key is to change our diet and opt for low purine foods, also avoiding other unhealthy habits and influencing uric acid levels, such as habitual consumption of alcohol.

The uric acid It is a chemical that is created when the body breaks down substances called purines, which we find in different foods and beverages.

Among the foods and beverages that contain purines They include anchovies, liver, mackerel, dried peas, beans, wine and beer.

Generally, most of the uric acid It dissolves in the blood and travels to the kidneys, where it exits through the urine. But whether the body produces too much uric acid or is not able to eliminate enough, high levels in the blood (hyperuricemia) can appear, so that the person can get sick, producing -for example- a disease classically known as drop.

But is it possible to know How to lower uric acid? How can the levels of this chemical in the blood be reduced? We explain in what way. But first we will know what it is, and above all, why it goes up.

What is uric acid and when is it considered to be elevated

The uric acidis a substance that is produced in our body after degrading different compounds in the blood, such as RNA and DNA. These substances are composed of purines, that after being metabolized, they finally give origin to uric acid.

Approximately 80% of the uric acid that a person can produce per day (about 500 mg of uric acid) are eliminated from our body through urine. But levels of high uric acid They can affect health and cause different problems.

It should be noted that the levels considered normal of uric acid in the blood tend to oscillate between 3.0 and 7.0 mg / dL, although this is a level that usually varies depending on the laboratories (for example, it is usual that they are also considered as values normal between 2.4 and 6.5 mg / dL).

Therefore, it is considered that there are elevated levels of uric acid in the blood when this value increases to more than 7 mg / dL.

Causes of high uric acid

From a medical point of view when we have raised the level of uric acid in the blood we are before a hyperuricemia, which basically consists of a excess uric acid in the blood. In this sense, its causes are very varied, and we must differentiate between primary and secondary causes.

Causes of primary hyperuricemia

The primary hyperuricemia occurs when the elevation of uric acid in the blood is directly due to the presence of high levels of purines.

Thus, its causes range from the increase in the production of this uric acid by the degradation of purines, to the inability of the kidneys to eliminate the uric acid present in the blood.

Causes of secondary hyperuricemia

The secondary hyperuricemiaHowever, it is one that occurs as a result of some other disease or disorder. Its causes, therefore, are much broader as for example:

  • Renal disease:It occurs when the kidney is not able to remove uric acid from the blood, causing its increase.
  • Chemotherapy treatment:as a consequence of rapid cell destruction, especially after the medical treatment of chemotherapy. It occurs when the tumor lysis syndrome appears. Also certain chemotherapeutic agents can cause cell death.
  • Certain cancers:in some malignant tumors the death of the cells can take place.
  • Consumption of medications:some medications can cause the elevation of uric acid, especially when they are consumed regularly.

What are the symptoms of elevated uric acid?

Although gout is a well-known condition directly related to the elevation of uric acid, the truth is that only about 20% of people with high levels of uric acid actually develop gout. What's more, did you know that there are people who have gout and that, nevertheless, their uric acid levels in the blood are not high?

So, High uric acid may not produce symptoms, or yes cause some certain signs. For example, if it is elevated due to problems in the kidneys, problems can occur when urinating.

While if uric acid is deposited in the joints there may be an inflammation of the joint that causes pain.

What are the consequences of having high uric acid

An excess of uric acid can cause the onset of arthritis or gout; The latter is one of the most well-known conditions and popularly related to high levels of uric acid, which consists of a type of arthritis that causes joint inflammation when it accumulates in the blood. It is one of the main consequences.

In addition, they may arise stones or kidney stones by the accumulation of uric acid crystals and, as we said, the annoying and uncomfortable drop, which causes the accumulation of these crystals in the joints, especially in the fingers. This article is published for informational purposes only. It can not and should not replace the consultation with a Physician. We advise you to consult your Trusted Doctor. ThemesBlood test

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