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Uric Acid:
You know exactly what uric acid is if you've ever
endured the excruciating gout pain. But for those who don't know, uric acid is
a waste product that our bodies create when purines, which are naturally
occurring substances found in many foods, are broken down. Normal levels of
uric acid are safe and are excreted in urine, but high levels are very
dangerous. Gout, tophi, and kidney stones are among the conditions it may bring
on. Additionally typical in those with metabolic conditions like diabetes and
high blood pressure is uric acid build-up. However, you can control your uric
acid levels by making a few dietary and lifestyle changes.
Symptoms of High Uric Acid:
Do
you have sudden, excruciating joint pain that lasts for days? It might indicate
that your blood uric acid levels are elevated. Joint pain is brought on by uric
acid crystals that accumulate in the joint spaces and cause inflammation.
The
development of tophi, which are tiny, hard lumps under the skin, is another
obvious sign of high uric acid. Usually, elbows, fingers, and ears develop
these lumps. They hurt, in addition to being ugly.
Another
sign of elevated uric acid levels in the body is kidney stones. The back, side,
and lower abdomen may experience excruciating pain as a result of kidney stones
made of uric acid crystals. Additionally, it might cause nausea and vomiting.
It's
essential to take preventive measures and make the necessary dietary changes if
you want to avoid these excruciating symptoms.
Understanding Uric Acid Levels:
What is Uric Acid?
Let's
define uric acid first before delving into uric acid levels. The natural
breakdown of purines by our bodies results in the waste product known as uric
acid. Both our own body's cells and many of the foods we eat contain these
purines.
Why is high uric acid level harmful?
Normally,
uric acid is easily removed from our bodies through the kidneys and excreted in
the urine. Our kidneys, however, are unable to keep up when our uric acid
levels are too high, which causes a buildup of uric acid in the blood. Numerous
health problems, such as gout, kidney stones, and even long-term organ damage,
can result from this.
Normal Uric Acid Level
For
the majority of people, a normal uric acid level falls between 2.4 and 6.0
mg/dL. It's crucial to remember that this range can change based on a number of
variables, including age, sex, and medical history.
Causes of High Uric Acid
A
diet high in purines, underlying medical conditions like kidney disease or
hypertension, as well as some medications, can all contribute to high uric acid
levels.
How to Test Uric Acid Level
Your
uric acid level can be determined by a blood test. It's important to talk to
your doctor about getting tested if you have symptoms of high uric acid, such
as joint pain or swelling. After reviewing the fundamentals of uric acid
levels, let's examine how diet and nutrition can help lower uric acid levels.
Foods to Avoid for High Uric Acid Levels:
Let's
talk about foods to stay away from if your uric acid levels are high. We are
aware that it can be difficult to give up your favourite snacks. But hey, why
not give it a shot if it's for your health?
Initially,
red meat. You did read that correctly. Your favourite ground beef, steak, and
bacon are targets. Purine, the component of red meat that contributes to the
high levels of uric acid, is abundant. Therefore, it's time to say goodbye to
your favourite meat treats if you've been dealing with painful joints.
Sugary
drinks are next on the list. Energy drinks and sodas may cause more harm than
good. Because of the high fructose corn syrup they contain, uric acid levels
rise. Reduce your intake of carbonated beverages and replace it with natural
fruit juices or infused water instead.
Ah,
alcohol—the foundation of weekend entertainment! Regrettably, beer and alcohol
are major contributors to elevated uric acid levels. They can cause your body
to produce more uric acid than it can handle if you consume them in excess.
It's now appropriate to replace those beers with mocktails or water (gasp!).
Seafood
is the last culprit. Yes, seafood is delicious, but it also contains a lot of
purines. Therefore, it is advised to consume shellfish in moderation, including
prawns, crab and lobster.
Now,
we comprehend how challenging it can be to avoid these delectable treats. The
saying "prevention is better than cure" is true, though. Therefore,
avoid eating them to control your uric acid levels.
Foods to Eat for Lowering Uric Acid Levels:
A
healthy diet is essential for controlling the body's uric acid levels. You can
reduce your uric acid levels and stop the onset of diseases like gout by
including specific foods in your diet. Low-fat dairy products are one of these
foods. These include dairy products like milk, cheese, and yoghurt, all of
which have been proven to be protective against gout. By encouraging uric acid
excretion through the kidneys, dairy in the diet lowers the risk of developing
high levels of uric acid. Consuming dairy products could also lessen
inflammation, which is frequently linked to gout attacks.
However,
it's crucial to pick low-fat options because high-fat dairy products may
actually make gout riskier. Fruits like cherries, strawberries, and blueberries
are among the foods that can help lower uric acid levels. These fruits have
anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that may help lessen the severity
and frequency of gout attacks. Furthermore, including whole grains in your
diet, such as brown rice and whole wheat bread, can help you maintain a healthy
weight, which is important for controlling your uric acid levels while also
supplying you with essential nutrients.
Maintaining
ideal uric acid levels and lowering the risk of gout flare-ups are both
possible by eating a balanced diet that includes these suggested foods. Before
making any significant dietary changes, be sure to speak with a medical
professional to make sure they are in line with your needs and any underlying
health issues.
Other Tips for Lowering Uric Acid Levels:
To lower uric acid levels, other tips include:
1. Limiting or avoiding alcohol consumption
2. Reducing intake of high purine foods such as
organ meats, seafood, and red meat
3. Increasing intake of low-fat dairy products
4. Drinking plenty of water to help flush out
uric acid
5. Maintaining a healthy weight through regular
exercise and a balanced diet
6. Avoiding crash dieting or fasting, which may
increase uric acid levels temporarily
7. Managing underlying medical conditions such
as diabetes, high blood pressure, and kidney disease.