Uric acid is a natural waste product that is created when the body breaks down purines, which are found in certain foods and are also made naturally by the body. Usually, uric acid in blood is filtered by the kidneys and any excess is flushed out in urine. If the body makes too much uric acid or the kidneys remove too little, levels can become elevated.
Elevated uric acid doesn't always lead to symptoms, but long-term elevation may increase the risk of health problems notably gout and renal (kidney) problems.
What Is Uric Acid?
Uric acid is a waste product formed from the breakdown of purines. Purines are a natural part of our bodies, but also found in foods such as organ meats, certain seafood, and some alcoholic beverages.
Most uric acid is dissolved in the blood, filtered through the kidneys and excreted in urine. If this equilibrium is lost, uric acid may be accumulated in excess. It is referred to as hyperuricemia.
Having hyperuricemia does not necessarily mean a person has gout. Long periods of elevated levels, on the other hand, can result in the formation of urate crystals in joints which may induce painful gout attacks.
Uric Acid Normal Range
The normal range for uric acid can be different from one laboratory to the next. Adult blood ranges are approximately:
Men: 3.4 to 7.0 mg/dL
Women: 2.4 to 6.0 mg/dL
Normal levels of uric acid may also differ based on factors such as age, sex, diet, medication intake, kidney function and other health related issues. Thus, one cannot say that all people’s uric acid should fall under the same range between two borders.
Uric Acid Test
A uric acid test measures the amount of uric acid present in a blood sample. It is commonly performed when a doctor suspects gout or wants to evaluate an individual's uric acid levels. Serum uric acid is also used to monitor people being treated for gout and disorders associated with high uric acid.
Depending on the symptoms and suspected cause, doctors may also suggest other tests, such as joint fluid analysis or urine testing.
Warning Signs of Uric Acid
High uric acid may not show any symptoms. A lot of people have high levels and don’t know it until they have a blood test.
When urate crystals pile up in a joint, however, symptoms can be prominent. Common uric acid symptoms and high uric acid symptoms relating to gout include:
- Severe, sudden joint pain
- Swelling around the joint (affected) area
- Red, Warm Skin over Joint
- Tender Joints
- Stiffness or difficulty when moving the joint
Gout most commonly affects the big toe although it can also affect your ankles, knees, wrists, fingers and elbows.
Persistent high uric acid may also contribute to the formation of uric acid kidney stones in some people.
Causes of High Uric Acid
By knowing what causes high uric acid treatment can be decided. It can develop if the body is producing too much uric acid, the kidneys are secreting too little, or a combination of the two.
Typical causes are:
Diet Rich in Purines
Eating too much purine-rich food can lead to higher production of uric acid. Organ meats, some seafood, and certain meats can raise levels.
Excessive Alcohol Intake
Alcohol may slow the elimination of uric acid and it is associated with increased serum urate and gout risk.
Kidney issues
The kidneys are responsible for excreting most of the uric acid. Decreased renal function leads to uric acid retention.
Obesity, Metabolic Syndrome
Obesity, psoriasis and certain metabolic disorders following conditions may strengthen the likelihood of hyperuricemia.
Genetics and Other Health Conditions
Family history, certain inherited disorders and treatments such as chemotherapy can also have an impact on levels of uric acid.
Gout and Uric Acid
The gout-uric acid link is mostly due to the production of monosodium urate crystals. If uric acid levels remain elevated, these crystals can deposit in joints and cause inflammation.
Nevertheless, not all people with elevated uric acid get gout, and gout can very rarely develop when the blood uric acid level is not elevated at the time of an attack.
Uric Acid Level Chart
A uric acid level chart is able to give you a general indication about whether a test result is within the laboratory's reference range. But the target level might be different for those with gout, kidney disease or certain other conditions.
How to Lower Uric Acid
The optimal treatment for how to lower uric acid levels in the blood will depend on the cause and how elevated it is. For many people, changes to their lifestyle can be enough, but they may also need medicines if they have gout or if their levels remain high.
Reduce Uric Acid Naturally-
- Drink enough water unless you are on a fluid restriction.
- Be active and maintain a healthy body weight.
- Limit your alcohol, particularly beer and liquor.
- Cut down on sugar-sweetened drinks.
- Eat a well-balanced diet and watch your portions.
- Control high blood pressure, diabetes, and kidney disease.
These adjustments can contribute to healthier levels of uric acid, but they may not be effective for everyone.
Foods That Reduce Uric Acid Levels
Such foods include:
- Low-fat dairy products
- Whole grains
- Vegetables
- Fresh fruit – in appropriate portions
- Eggs
- Nuts and seeds
- An adequate water supply
Foods to Avoid with High Uric Acid
People with high uric?acid levels might be recommended to reduce their intake of foods that are very high in purines and some drinks, such as:
- Organ meats such as liver and kidney
- Certain seafoods, anchovies, sardines, and shellfish
- Large portions of red meat
- Beer and excessive alcohol
- Soft drinks with high fructose corn syrup
- High Fat Dairy Products
Diet recommendations can be personalized, especially in individuals with kidney disease or recurrent gout.
Uric Acid Remedy
Treatment for uric acid will vary depending on the symptoms of the person, the level of uric acid, whether the person has gout, the function of their kidneys, and any other health concerns.
For those who have repeated attacks of gout or develop other problems, physicians may also prescribe drugs that reduce production of uric acid or enhance its elimination from the body. Treatment should always be personalized and under the supervision of a medical professional.
When to consult a doctor
If you have sudden, severe joint pain, swelling, or redness, or repeated attacks that resemble gout, see a healthcare provider. A doctor might order a serum uric acid test and other tests to find out why.
Individuals with chronically high uric acid in blood, kidney problems or recurrent gout should be appropriately medically evaluated and not just rely on home remedies.
Conclusion
Normal levels of uric acid contribute to joint and kidney health. Mildly elevated levels may not cause symptoms, but chronic hyperuricemia can predispose a person to gout and other complications.
Healthy eating, drinking enough water, exercising regularly, maintaining a healthy weight, and not drinking too much alcohol can help you keep your levels in check. If uric acid levels stay elevated or if symptoms of gout develop, medical evaluation and treatment can reduce the risk of recurrent problems, and protect the blood vessels and heart for long term health.
