What is Uric Acid?

Why Does It Matter?

Uric acid is a waste product that can be produced in your body when it breaks down chemicals called **purines**, which are naturally occurring in some foods and beverages. Normally, uric acid is filtered out by the kidneys and then removed from your body in urine. However, excessive production of uric acid by your body, or an inability by your kidneys to remove it sufficiently from the body, can build it up in your blood, causing **uric acid crystals** to form in your joints, creating **gout**, a rather painful type of arthritis.
 

What is Gout?

Gout is caused by uric acid crystals building up inside the joints, causing sudden, severe pain, redness, and swelling. It's much more common in men, especially above 30 or 40 years of age. Gout most often strikes the big toe but can also occur in other parts of the body, including the knees, elbows, and fingers. The pain builds slowly - often at night - and can be extremely sharp.

Symptoms of High Uric Acid (Gout):

1. **Intense Severe Pain:** The joint may become very painful; often the big toe hurt, and most common at night.
2. **Swelling and Redness:** The appearance is of a swollen red joint that often feels warm.
3. **Tenderness:** The slightest rubbing or pressure on the affected joint can feel agonizing.
4. **Lumps or Bumps:** After some time, when uric acid crystals accumulate, they can become visible under the skin near the joints, called **tophi**.

What Are the Causes of High Uric Acid Levels?

The following are some of the factors that can cause uric acid to level up:
- **Diet:** Foods high in purines—such as red meat, organ meats (liver), shellfish, and oily fish (such as sardines, mackerel, and anchovies)-are a common cause of uric acid buildup. Added sugars in liquids such as soda and alcoholic beverages, especially beer, are major contributors.
- **Obesity:** A higher body weight increases your chance of developing gout because excess fat tissue produces more uric acid.
- **Dehydration:** Not having enough water impairs your kidneys to remove uric acid.
- **Genetics:** Having gout in the family means you tend to have higher uric acid levels.

How Do You Maintain Lowered Uric Acid Levels and Avoid Gout Attacks?

If you're dealing with high uric acid levels, or even want to prevent a future gout attack, making some simple lifestyle changes can make a big difference:
1. **Watch Your Diet:**
- **Eat more fruits and vegetables:** These foods are low in purines and help keep your uric acid levels in check.
- Limit high-purine foods: Reduce the intake of red meats, organ meats (such as liver), and some types of fish, such as sardines and mackerel.
-Abstain from sugary drinks. Soda, fruit juice, and especially beer, may induce gout attack.
2. Exercise and Maintain Healthy Weight
Exercise regularly as it helps in managing weight and overall health.
- **Avoid crash diets** or rapid weight loss, as this can increase uric acid levels temporarily.
3. **Stay Hydrated:**
Drink plenty of water—about 6–8 glasses a day. This will help flush out excess uric acid from your system.
4. **Consider Vitamin C:**
- Vitamin C can help lower uric acid levels, so talk to your doctor about possibly taking a supplement.
5. **Take Medications if Needed:**
- In some cases, your doctor might prescribe medication to help lower uric acid levels or reduce inflammation during a gout flare-up.
6. **Cut Back on Alcohol and Processed Foods:**
- Abstaining from alcohol (in particular, beer) and processed foods can also reduce your risk for gout. Such foods can raise uric acid in your bloodstream.
7. **Annual Check-Ups:**
- Monitor your uric acid levels, especially if you have a family history of gout or other predisposing factors. In fact, the earlier it is diagnosed, the better treatment can be managed.

In Summary

High levels of uric acid can cause painfully excruciating gout attacks, but appropriate management and, at times, prevention of flare-ups can be done. Dieting may not require extreme dieting, but being hydrated, having a healthy weight, and being very cautious with certain foods and habits can reduce the risk significantly. And, of course, if you are experiencing the mentioned symptoms or suspect to be in high uric acid, the best advice and treatment is from your doctor.