High uric acid levels refer to te condition of a high concentration of uric acid in the blood stream, which is linked to either failure to excrete uric acid or increased production of uric acid.
Uric acid is a naturally occurring waste product in the body. Uric acid is caused by the breakdown of the chemical purine, which is always present in the body and in some foods. Normally, uric acid is carried by the blood and filtered by the kidneys, then becomes waste product that exits in your urine. However, uric acid levels can rise if the kidneys don’t get rid of it naturally, or if the body produces too much of it. This is called Hyperuricemia.
- Hereditary - body’s inability to process Uric acid
- Normally, uric acid dissolves in bloodstream, passes through kidneys and is excreted in urine.
Skin Symptoms
After years of repeated gout attacks, uric acid crystals may begin to form lumps beneath the skin. These nonpainful lumps called Tophi, commonly occur on the fingers, toes, elbows and hands. During an attack, the tophi may become swollen and tender. Also Read: Jogging is also beneficial for our joints and bones.
Kidney Symptoms
If the uric acid crystals settle in the urinary tract, they cause kidney stones. Uric acid kidney stones are more common in men than women. Kidney stones may cause symptoms such as pain in the back, abdomen, groin, fever, chills, nausea, vomiting and bloody urine.
Joint Symptoms
When uric acid crystals settle into joints, gouty symptoms may occur. Common joint symptoms of gout include pain, inflammation, swelling, redness and tenderness. These symptoms usually begin suddenly at night.
Causes of High Uric Acid
- Diuretic medications
- Obesity
- Purine rich diet
- Psoriasis
- Drinking too much alcohol
- Genetics ( inherited tendencies )
- Hypothyroidism
- Immune Suppressing Drugs
- High blood pressure may increase risk.
- Other diseases which cause increased uric acid like leukemia, lymphoma, hemoglobin disorders.
- Other Events: Dehydration, surgery and joint injury.
“And it’s very important to lower uric acid in your body because high levels cause gout. And repeated gout attacks can lead to permanent joint damage as well as kidney damage.”
Uric Acid Treatment
- Consume plenty of fruits and berries
- Reduce amount of alcohol you drink
- Creating a healthy diet
- Increase your physical activity
- Try cardiovascular exercises
- Get rest if you face a gout attack
- Limit the amounts of sugary foods
- Eat plant based proteins
Gout
A form of arthritis characterised by severe pain, redness and tenderness in joints.
Symptoms of gout include severe pain, redness and swelling in joints, often the big toe. Attacks can come suddenly, often at night.
Overview of Gout
- It is type of arthritis
- Caused by elevated uric acid levels in blood.
- Symptoms: inflammation, swelling, extreme pain
- Crystals deposits in joints from excess uric acid.
- More common in men
- Very common condition
- Women more likely to experience gout after menopause
- One of most frequently diagnosed conditions
How do I treat Gout with Medications ?
- Anti-inflammatory Drugs (Indomethacin, naproxen or ibuprofen)
- Pain killers (oxycodone, hydrocodone or codeine)
- Cortisone injections
Avoid these things in Gout
For the treatment of Gout, you can reduce the consumption of alcohol, spinach, beans, peas, cauliflower and Brewer’s yeast.
Food for Gout treatment
- Eat low fat dairy products like Yogurt, cottage cheese and complex carbs like sweet potato, brown rice.
- Take protein food like lean white meat, nuts and seeds.
