Common Symptoms and Effects of High Uric Acid
Humans are Ureotelic organisms, which means the major waste product generated in our body is urea. Along with urea, uric acid is also a waste generated in our body as a result of digestion and absorption of food that we eat. Food molecules containing purines generate the waste product uric acid in the body. High levels of purines are found in some food products like meat, dried beans, and beverages like beer.
Kidneys are the primary organ involved in the process of excretion and are responsible for eliminating wastes in the form of urine from the body. When we consume an excess of purines containing food and our kidneys fail to excrete all the amount of uric acid from the body, it leads to the build-up of uric acid in the body. This build-up also takes place in our blood cells and it leads to an abnormal condition known as hyperuricemia.
There is a chance due to the build-up mentioned above that there can be high levels of uric acid in the body. High uric acid levels or hyperuricemia can lead to a number of diseases that nobody would really want to have. The condition will generally lead to arthritis that is painful, also known as gout. It also leads to various heart diseases, diabetes, and even kidney diseases.
The Consequences of High Uric Acid Levels
The condition is actually one that is not to be just ignored. It is known and even proven by the experts that it can lead to one having several consequences on their health. It has been determined, over the years, that one should not leave their high uric acid levels untreated. It has been identified by many excerpts that if done so, it can lead to permanent bone damage. The same type of threat is also to one’s body tissues and joints, which may damage significantly if their high uric levels are not taken care of on time.
Many researchers have also come to the conclusion that there is a very strong link between high uric acid levels and various diseases such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, and fatty liver disease.
Causes of High Uric Acid
Uric acid is basically a waste product by the kidneys. And when the kidneys fail to eliminate this product from the body, it can lead to a condition called hyperuricemia.
But, what really causes that? Well, to answer this question, we have rounded up a few factors that lead to high uric acid levels in one’s body. These are as follows:
Renal insufficiency
This basically means that the kidneys have been functioning inefficiently, and as a result not being able to completely expel the uric acid generated from the body of a person.
An unhealthy diet
It can be caused due to the consumption of foods that contain purine such as meat, beans, etc. The condition can also be caused due to the consumption of alcoholic beverages.
Health conditions
Various health issues such as blood pressure, diabetes, kidney diseases, high cholesterol, obesity, etc. can also lead to high uric acid levels
Disorders
There are a few genetic disorders that may lead to hyperuricemia
Rare conditions
There are many rare conditions or diseases in which the use of certain medications can lead to high uric acid levels. A few deficiencies of vitamins can also contribute to this condition.
Preventions of High Uric Acid
Uric acid levels can be lowered by natural preventative measures. These measures include-
Weight reduction, exercises, yoga, and a healthy diet. Obesity is the reason causing high uric acid levels in the body.
Consumption of low-fat dairy products.
Avoid alcohol, beer, and soft drinks.
Drinking a lot of water and natural decoctions. Tea is a very good natural beverage that also supports the proper functioning of kidneys.
Avoid purine-rich foods.
Avoiding dehydration.
Reducing sugar intake.
FAQs on Uric Acid Symptoms: Signs, Causes, and How to Prevent Them
1. What are the main symptoms of high uric acid?
When uric acid levels are high, a condition known as hyperuricemia, you might not notice any symptoms at first. If they do appear, they often involve the joints and kidneys. Key symptoms include:
- Sudden joint pain: Intense pain, swelling, and redness, most commonly affecting the big toe. This is a classic sign of gout.
- Kidney stones: Sharp pain in your back or side, pain while urinating, or blood in the urine.
- Stiff joints: Difficulty moving the joints that are affected.
- Tophi: Small, hard lumps of uric acid crystals that can form under the skin around joints.
2. What exactly is hyperuricemia?
Hyperuricemia is the medical term for having an abnormally high level of uric acid in your blood. Uric acid is a natural waste product created when the body breaks down substances called purines, which are found in certain foods and are also made by the body. Normally, the kidneys filter uric acid out of the blood and pass it out through urine. Hyperuricemia occurs when your body either produces too much uric acid or your kidneys don't excrete enough of it.
3. What are the common causes of high uric acid levels?
High uric acid levels can be caused by a combination of factors. The primary reasons include:
- Diet: Consuming a lot of purine-rich foods like red meat, organ meats, and certain seafood can increase uric acid production.
- Kidney function: If the kidneys are not working efficiently, they may fail to remove enough uric acid from the body.
- Medical conditions: Issues like obesity, high blood pressure, diabetes, and thyroid problems are often linked to hyperuricemia.
- Genetics: Some people have a genetic predisposition to produce more uric acid.
4. What lifestyle changes can help control uric acid levels?
You can manage uric acid levels through several lifestyle adjustments. Key strategies include limiting purine-rich foods, staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water, reducing sugar and alcohol intake, maintaining a healthy weight through regular exercise, and including low-fat dairy products in your diet. These changes help your body process and eliminate uric acid more effectively.
5. What is considered a normal range for uric acid in the blood?
A normal uric acid level typically falls between 3.5 to 7.2 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) for men and 2.6 to 6.0 mg/dL for women. However, these values can vary slightly between different laboratories. Levels above this range are generally considered high and indicate hyperuricemia.
6. How does a high purine diet specifically lead to uric acid problems?
Purines are chemical compounds that your body breaks down into uric acid. When you eat foods high in purines, such as red meat, shellfish, or beer, your body produces more uric acid as a byproduct. If your body cannot get rid of this excess uric acid quickly enough, it can build up in the blood, leading to hyperuricemia and increasing the risk of forming sharp crystals in your joints or kidneys.
7. Can high uric acid affect organs other than the joints?
Yes, while high uric acid is famous for causing gout in the joints, it can also harm other organs. The kidneys are particularly vulnerable. The excess uric acid can form crystals that turn into painful kidney stones. Over time, persistently high levels can lead to chronic kidney damage or even kidney failure by causing inflammation and scarring within the kidney tissue.
8. What level of uric acid is considered dangerous?
While any level above the normal range is considered high, doctors often become more concerned when uric acid levels consistently exceed 7.0 mg/dL. At these higher concentrations, the risk of uric acid crystals forming in the joints (gout) or kidneys (stones) increases significantly. Persistently high levels are a clear signal that medical evaluation and lifestyle changes are needed to prevent complications.
9. How do symptoms of high uric acid typically appear in the legs and feet?
In the legs and feet, high uric acid most often causes symptoms of gout. The most common sign is a sudden, severe attack of pain, swelling, and extreme tenderness in a single joint, very often the big toe. The affected joint may feel hot to the touch and appear red or purplish. Sometimes, small, chalky nodules called tophi can form under the skin around the ankles or toes in chronic cases.
