What it is, why should we care, and what can we do
I offer weekly education sessions in retirement homes to support elderly usually answering their difficult questions in simple words. They love these sessions and always invite me to guide them. It is a lot of community fun giving me joy.
In one these community seminars the frequently asked questions by seniors is about painful gout. Some of them heard about uric acid on TV shows or YouTube videos and want to learn what it is, how can they balance it, and how they deal with effectively. In this short post I will provide a summary of my answers in simple words hoping it can educate and inspire actions.
1. What is uric acid, and why is it so crucial?
Uric acid is an organic byproduct that results from purines being metabolized by our body (a natural compound present in food and beverages). It normally passes through the kidneys and then makes its way out in the urine. Yet if the levels are elevated, it can trigger gout, kidney stones and even heart and psychological problems.
2. What happens to the body when uric acid is elevated?
As uric acid builds up, it can crystallise in the joints, leading to gout — an intractable form of arthritis. Overproduction can result in kidney stones, which grow in this organ and can result in severe pain. It can even lead to kidney problems in the long run. Untreated uric acid can lead to high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease over time.
3. Do uric acid levels affect mental health?
Yes, scientists are finding connections between high uric acid levels and mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression. In some experiments, it could even impact cognition in the long run. Although this is a recent field of study, it shows how critical it is to keep your uric acid in check as we get older.
4. What foods should I not eat in order to maintain uric acid levels?
Purine-rich foods such as excessive red meat, certain seafood (sardines, anchovies), sugary beverages, and alcohol (especially beer) can cause uric acid to rise. Too much soda and processed junk food can exacerbate the problem as well. Limiting these can lessen your risk of related illnesses.
5. Which foods or behaviors naturally help reduce uric acid?
There are no specific food to lower it but eating a balanced diet from healthy whole foods may reduce uric acid. The key point is eliminating junk foods like ultra processed food with refined carbs, added sugar, and unnatural additives. Hydration is essential because water eliminates extra uric acid.
6. What does uric acid do to your kidneys?
The excess uric acid can crystallize in the kidneys and form kidney stones. These stones not only hurt, they also impair the kidneys. Drinking clean water and eating whole foods with low-purine content can protect the kidneys.
7. Does exercising decrease uric acid?
Yes! Vigorous and regular exercise can lower uric acid. It also boosts metabolism. Daily gentle activities such as walking, swimming, gardening, or yoga are ideal for those prone to gout. But excessive exercise will temporarily raise uric acid, so move lightly if you experience gout.
8. How is high uric acid accumulated prevented and treated
Dietary changes such as restricting purine-rich foods, moving regularly, and drinking enough water are the first steps. Doctors might prescribe drugs such as allopurinol or febuxostat to reduce uric acid levels or probenecid to flush it out. You’ll want to keep track of the level by checking and testing on a regular basis.
9. How can I stay away from gout and other uric acid complications?
All you can do to prevent it is keep your uric acid level balanced with a healthy diet, enough fluids, and workouts. It also helps to stay away from too much alcohol, sugary soft drinks, and refined foods. For those who suffer from gout, kidney stones, or high uric acid, routine doctor visits is necessary to spot the signs before they get serious.
10. Does uric acid affect the heart?
Yes, high levels of uric acid can lead to high blood pressure which is a key contributor to heart disease. While more research is needed, controlling uric acid can lower your risk of heart disease. Remember that the key points are a balanced diet, adequate hydration, regular exercise, and refraining from too much alcohol and sugary drinks.
If you want to explore the science behind uric acid, you may check out a well-written article by Dr Mehmet Yildiz linking to credible sources. His story about hyperuricemia (Elevated Uric Acid) covers implications and impact on obesity, diabetes, heart disease, impotence, and dementia.
Emerging Concerns of Elevated Uric Acid on Obesity, Diabetes, Heart Disease, Impotence, & Dementia
Hyperuricemia is increasing globally and affecting millions of Americans. Why does the body create excessive uric acid…medium.com
Thank you for reading my story. I wish you a healthy life.
Here is a well-presented video by specialist Dr David Perlmutter watched by over three million people on YouTube.
As a disclaimer, my stories, of course, never include health or professional advice.
I am a retired healthcare scientist in his mid-70s, and I have several grandkids who keep me going and inspire me to write on this platform. I am also the chief editor of the Health and Science publication on Medium.com. As a giveback activity, I volunteered as an editor for Illumination publications, supporting many new writers. I will be happy to read, publish, and promote your stories. You may connect with me on LinkedIn, Twitter, and Quora, where I share stories I read. You may subscribe to my account to get my stories in your inbox when I post. You can also find my distilled content on Subtack: Health Science Research By Dr Mike Broadly.
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