Uric acid treatment and causes
Too much uric acid leads to all kinds of trouble.
When there is too much uric acid in your body, your pH balance moves to the “acidic” side of the scale.
pH stands for power of hydrogen, which is a measurement of the hydrogenion concentration in the body. The total pH scale ranges from 1 to 14, with 7 considered to be neutral
When this happens, you develop problems like gout, arthritis, kidney stones, and general joint pain.
But isn’t there something you can do about this?
Yes, there is.
But in order to treat this problem, we must first understand it a bit better.
How does excess uric acid form?
Uric acid is formed when the body breaks down purines, which is a substance in the human tissue and certain foods that we eat. Usually, uric acid dissolves in the blood and moves through the kidneys where it is then passing out of the body via urine.
When the kidneys do not get rid of the uric acid like they should, or there is too much uric acid in the body due to high-purine foods, the uric acid in the body starts to crystallize.
This crystallized uric acid can end up in the kidneys in the form of kidney stones, or in the joints where it causes gout (a form of arthritis).
The 3 most common symptoms of high uric acid levels in the body are…
Joint Symptoms
Too much uric acid in the body causes joint symptoms in the form of gout, which includes pain, inflammation, swelling, redness, and tenderness when touched. Many people also say that the joint feels “hot”.
Commonly Affected Joints –
One of the most common areas affected by gout is your big toe. It is also not uncommon for it to affect the heels, ankles, knees, fingers, wrists, and elbows. It can often be experienced in one joint, and then thereafter in two or more different joints.
Duration of Joint Symptoms –
After the symptoms start, it typically takes about 12 to 24 hours for the pain in the joint to peak, whereafter it may become uncomfortable for a few days or even weeks. As they become more frequent, they pain or discomfort may linger for longer. If it is not treated, the damage to the joints may become permanent.
Skin Symptoms
After a few years of continues high uric acid levels and gout attacks, the crystallized uric acid may form lumps underneath the skin. They are called tophi and are usually not painful. They commonly form in the fingers, toes, elbows, and hands. When experiencing a gout attack, the tophi might become swollen and tender.
Kidney Symptoms
As mentioned, uric acid in the kidneys or the urinary tract may develop into kidney stones. They are usually more common among men, and they can lead to various symptoms like back pain, pain in the abdomen, severe pain in the groin area, a high fever, cold chills, nausea and vomiting, and blood in the urine.
Why do uric acid levels get too high?
This happens through one of – or a combination of – two things:
The body produces too much uric acid.
The kidneys don’t excrete it fast enough.
What are the dangers of high uric acid levels?
High uric acid levels lead to serious health issues, including:
Heart DiseaseKidney StonesKidney FailureHigh Blood PressureGout
What triggers uric acid levels to rise?
Water pills (Diuretic medications)
Drink too much alcohol, red wine especially.
Genetics, it can run in the family.
Hypothyroidism
Immune-suppressing drugs
Niacin, or vitamin B-3
Obesity, being overweight can have a ton of negative effects.
Psoriasis
Purine-rich diet — organ meat, game meat, anchovies, herring, gravy, dried beans, dried peas, mushrooms and other foods
The inability of the kidneys to filter waste
Natural ways to reduce high uric acid levels in the body can include:
Alter your diet – try to reduce red meat, sugar, starches and sugary drinks.
Drink at least 2 litres of purified water per day
Reduce alcohol consumption.
Home remedies
Individuals with gout can manage flare-ups by moderating their diet. A balanced diet can help reduce symptoms.
Individuals with gout should avoid low-carbohydrate diets. Low intake of carbohydrate means that the body is unable to properly burn fat stores, leading to the release of substances called ketones into the bloodstream.
This rise in ketones can result in a condition called ketosis that can increase the level of uric acid in the blood.
It is most important to avoid many foods that are high in purines, to ensure that the levels of uric acid in the blood do not get too high. Here is a list of high-purine foods to be wary of:
- anchovies
- asparagus
- beef kidneys
- brains
- dried beans and peas
- game meats
- gravy
- herring
- liver
- mackerel
- mushrooms
- sardines
- scallops
- sweetbreads
While it is important to avoid these foods, it has been found that certain purine-rich foods will not increase the risk of gout, or aggrevate symptoms.
Asparagus, beans, some other plant-based foods, and mushrooms are also sources of purines, but research suggests that these do not trigger gout attacks and do not impact uric acid levels.
Various epidemiological studies have shown that purine-rich vegetables, whole grains, nuts and legumes, and less sugary fruits, coffee, and vitamin C supplements decrease the risk of gout, whereas red meat, fructose-containing beverages, and alcohol increase the risk.
Vitamin C supplements are available to purchase online. Speak with a doctor before taking any new supplements.
The role of uric acid in gout has been clearly defined and understood.
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