What is Uric Acid?
Uric acid is a chemical compound created when the body breaks down purines—natural substances found in foods (such as organ meats, red meat, seafood, beans, alcohol) and also produced by the body’s own cells. Normally, uric acid is dissolved in the blood, passes through the kidneys, and is excreted in urine.
When uric acid levels become too high (hyperuricemia), crystals may form in the joints and tissues, causing gout attacks and sometimes kidney stones. On the other hand, if levels are too low, it may indicate certain metabolic or kidney problems.
Functions of Uric Acid in the Body
Although usually discussed as a “waste product,” uric acid has some roles:
Antioxidant properties: Helps protect blood vessels and tissues from oxidative stress.
Immune function: Plays a minor role in fighting infections.
Waste removal: Ensures purines are eliminated properly.
However, excess accumulation can be harmful.
Why Does Uric Acid Increase? (Causes of Hyperuricemia)
High uric acid occurs when either:
1. The body produces too much uric acid.
2. The kidneys fail to remove uric acid effectively.
Common Causes:
Dietary factors: High consumption of red meat, organ meats, shellfish, alcohol (especially beer), and sugary drinks.
Obesity: Excess body fat increases uric acid production.
Kidney disease: Impaired filtration leads to poor uric acid excretion.
Medications: Diuretics, low-dose aspirin, chemotherapy drugs, and immunosuppressants.
Medical conditions: Hypertension, diabetes, metabolic syndrome, hypothyroidism, psoriasis.
Genetics: Family history of gout or hyperuricemia.
Dehydration: Low water intake reduces uric acid flushing.
Excess alcohol: Especially beer and spirits, which interfere with uric acid removal.
Risk Factors
You are at higher risk of high uric acid if you:
Are male (men are more prone than women).
Are overweight or obese.
Have a family history of gout or kidney disease.
Consume a high-purine diet.
Drink excess alcohol.
Have chronic diseases like high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease.
Symptoms of High Uric Acid
Often, hyperuricemia has no symptoms until it causes complications. When symptoms appear, they may include:
Gout-related symptoms:
Sudden severe joint pain (commonly in the big toe, ankle, or knee).
Swelling, redness, and warmth around joints.
Limited mobility in affected joints.
Presence of tophi (hard uric acid deposits under the skin, around ears, fingers, or elbows).
Kidney-related symptoms:
Kidney stones: Pain in the side, back, or abdomen.
Blood in urine.
Frequent urination.
Urinary infections due to stone obstruction.
Complications of High Uric Acid
If untreated, chronic high uric acid may lead to:
Gout attacks: Painful inflammatory arthritis.
Chronic tophaceous gout: Permanent joint deformities.
Kidney stones: Uric acid crystals form stones that block urinary flow.
Chronic kidney disease (CKD): Continuous crystal deposition damages kidney function.
Cardiovascular problems: Linked with hypertension, heart attack, and stroke risk.
Diagnostic Tests for Uric Acid
Doctors recommend several tests to confirm and monitor uric acid levels:
1. Blood Test (Serum Uric Acid Test)
Measures uric acid in blood.
Normal ranges:
Men: 3.4 – 7.0 mg/dL
Women: 2.4 – 6.0 mg/dL
Children: 2.0 – 5.5 mg/dL
High levels indicate hyperuricemia.
2. Urine Test (24-Hour Urinary Uric Acid Test)
Collects urine over 24 hours.
Helps determine whether the body is producing too much or not excreting enough uric acid.
3. Joint Fluid Analysis (Synovial Fluid Test)
A needle withdraws fluid from an inflamed joint.
Presence of monosodium urate crystals confirms gout.
4. Imaging Tests
X-ray: Detects bone damage from gout.
Ultrasound: Identifies urate crystal deposits in joints.
CT scan: Detects uric acid kidney stones.
Treatment of High Uric Acid
Treatment depends on the underlying cause and severity.
1. Lifestyle & Home Remedies
Drink at least 2–3 liters of water daily.
Reduce intake of red meat, organ meats, seafood, alcohol, and sugary drinks.
Maintain a healthy weight.
Exercise regularly but avoid overexertion.
Limit stress which may trigger gout attacks.
2. Medications
Doctors may prescribe:
Allopurinol or Febuxostat: Reduce uric acid production.
Probenecid: Helps kidneys remove uric acid.
Colchicine: Relieves gout pain and inflammation.
NSAIDs (Ibuprofen, Naproxen): Reduce joint pain during gout attacks.
3. Treatment of Complications
Kidney stones may require shock wave therapy or surgery.
Chronic kidney disease needs long-term medical management.
Diet for Uric Acid Control
Foods to Avoid (High Purine Foods):
Red meat, organ meats (liver, kidney, brain).
Shellfish, sardines, anchovies.
Alcohol (especially beer and whiskey).
Sugary sodas and fruit juices.
Foods to Eat (Low Purine Foods):
Fresh fruits (cherries, strawberries, oranges, apples).
Vegetables (spinach, broccoli, cucumber, tomatoes).
Whole grains (brown rice, oats, quinoa).
Low-fat dairy (milk, yogurt, cheese).
Coffee and green tea (in moderation).
Superfoods for Lowering Uric Acid:
Cherries: Reduce gout flare-ups.
Lemon water: Increases urine alkalinity.
Celery seeds: Anti-inflammatory properties.
Ginger and turmeric: Natural pain relievers.
Prevention of High Uric Acid
Stay hydrated.
Follow a balanced diet low in purines.
Exercise regularly to maintain a healthy weight.
Avoid excessive alcohol.
Monitor uric acid levels with regular tests if you have a family history.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the normal uric acid level?
Men: 3.4 – 7.0 mg/dL
Women: 2.4 – 6.0 mg/dL
2. Can uric acid be controlled naturally?
Yes. Hydration, diet changes, weight management, and reducing alcohol can naturally lower uric acid.
3. What happens if uric acid is too high?
It can cause gout, kidney stones, joint damage, and kidney failure if untreated.
4. Can uric acid cause permanent damage?
Yes. Chronic high uric acid can lead to irreversible joint deformities and kidney disease.
5. Is medication lifelong?
Not always. Some patients may only need medicine during flare-ups, while others with chronic conditions may need long-term therapy.
Conclusion
Uric acid is a natural waste product, but when levels rise beyond normal, it can cause serious health complications like gout, kidney stones, and chronic kidney disease. Regular monitoring through blood and urine tests, a healthy lifestyle, proper dietary choices, and medical treatment when needed can help keep uric acid under control.
