Uric Acid – Causes, Prevention & Treatment

Introduction

Uric acid is a byproduct formed during the breakdown of purines in the body. Purines are naturally produced in the body and can also be found in certain foods and beverages. Most of it dissolves in the bloodstream and is excreted through the kidneys in urine. However, if there is an excessive production or insufficient elimination of uric acid, it can lead to health issues. This condition is known as hyperuricemia, which refers to excessive uric acid levels in the blood.

What is Uric Acid?

Uric acid is a derivative of the body’s natural waste process. It is formed when purines, which are found in the body and certain foods, break down. Additionally, uric acid can be produced when DNA is broken down. Normally, the body eliminates uric acid through urination or bowel movements. However, if there is an excess production of uric acid or in case of malfunction of the kidneys, they accumulate in the blood. Factors such as consuming high-purine foods or taking certain medications can also raise uric acid levels. When uric acid crystals pile up in the joints, it causes painful inflammation, known as gout, and it can also contribute to the formation of kidney stones.

Causes of High Levels of Uric Acid in the Body

An immoderate amount of uric acid in the body leads to hyperuricemia, which results in the formation of sharp crystals that can accumulate in the joints, causing gout, a type of arthritis. Additionally, these crystals can also accumulate in the kidneys and form kidney stones. However, hyperuricemia can be effectively treated by making certain adjustments to your daily routine, such as modifying your diet and increasing your water intake.

These are some of the reasons for excessive uric acid in blood:

• Diuretics
• Excessive alcohol consumption
• Consuming excessive soda or foods high in fructose
• Genetic factors
• High blood pressure
• Immune-suppressing medications
• Kidney problems
• Leukemia
• Metabolic syndrome
• Niacin (vitamin B-3) intake
• Obesity
• Polycythemia vera
• Psoriasis
• Purine-rich diet (liver, game meat, anchovies, sardines)
• Tumor lysis syndrome caused by certain cancers or chemotherapy

Symptoms of High Uric Acid

Hyperuricemia doesn’t always come with symptoms. In almost every case, it is only found after the person is diagnosed with gout or kidney stones. 

Symptoms of a gout attack look like this:

• Severe agony
• Change in colour or redness
• Limited mobility
• Enlargement
• Sensitivity, even to gentle contact (such as a bedsheet touching)
• Heat or a sensation of the joint being inflamed

Symptoms of kidney stones are:

• Lower back or side discomfort
• Pain-induced nausea or vomiting
• Presence of fever or chills
• Blood in urine
• Pain during urination
• Inability to urinate
• Frequent urge to urinate
• Cloudy or foul-smelling urine

Uric Acid in Food

The primary method for managing blood uric acid levels is through dietary control. By limiting the consumption of purine-rich foods such as red meat, tuna, and organ meat, individuals can maintain normal uric acid levels. Additionally, reducing the intake of foods and drinks containing fructose syrup, which leads to purine production, can also help lower uric acid levels.

Weight loss can be effective for managing uric acid levels in individuals who are overweight or obese, as these conditions increase the risk of high blood uric acid. It is not possible to completely avoid purines since they are present in many foods.

Foods that include purines are:

• bacon
• turkey
• veal
• organ meats
• shellfish
• trout
• haddock
• anchovies
• sardines
• herring
• alcohol

Treatment for High Levels of Uric Acid

Managing high levels of uric acid and its associated symptoms can be achieved through various methods. 

• One important approach is controlling the intake of purine-rich foods in the diet, as purines can contribute to excessive uric acid and worsen symptoms such as gout pain. 
• Weight loss can help alleviate joint pain and swelling caused by high uric acid levels. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) are often prescribed to reduce pain and inflammation in patients with gout. 
• In cases where tophi, which are deposits of uric acid crystals, cause damage to surrounding muscle and tissue, surgical removal may be necessary.
• For the treatment of kidney stones, different approaches are taken depending on their size. Drinking plenty of water can help pass smaller stones through urine, while medications may be prescribed to relax muscles in the urinary tract for stones of larger sizes. 
• Lithotripsy is a non-invasive procedure that makes use of sound waves to break down stones into smaller pieces. It can be used for larger kidney stones. Stones greater than 10 millimetres usually require surgery for removal.

Conclusion

Elevated uric acid levels are frequently encountered and can lead to distressing symptoms like gout or kidney stones. If you encounter symptoms such as back pain or joint inflammation, seeking medical advice is recommended.

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