What is Uric Acid? What happens due to its increase, know the causes, symptoms and prevention
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Uric acid is a waste product in your blood, which is produced when you eat foods rich in purines. Well, purines are chemical compounds made of carbon and nitrogen atoms, which are broken down in the body. Too much uric acid in your system can trigger a condition called hyperuricemia. This leads to the formation of uric acid crystals, which get deposited in the joints and cause arthritis. Your body filters uric acid through the kidneys and urine, but if you consume too much purine in your diet, or if your body can’t get rid of this byproduct fast enough, uric acid in your blood builds up. may be constructed.
Normal uric acid level is less than 6.8 mg/dLT. High uric acid level (above 6.8 mg/dL) is known as hyperuricemia. This can lead to a disease called gout, which causes pain in the joints in which urate crystals get deposited. It can also make your blood and urine acidic. A person with high or low uric acid levels may not always have symptoms. Symptoms may not appear until a person has levels outside the normal range for a long time, which can cause health problems. Symptoms of gout, which can be caused by high uric acid levels, include:
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Arthritis affects your joints. Commonly affected joints include ankles, knees, elbows, wrists and fingers.
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You may feel discomfort for a long time after the initial pain subsides. This may go on for a few weeks or more.
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You may find it difficult to move your joints.
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Swollen, tender and red joints are some of the symptoms that you may experience.
How to reduce uric acid?
“High uric acid level occurs when your kidney does not eliminate it efficiently. Protein-rich diet, excessive consumption of sugar and consumption of alcohol can cause problems. It can cause painful inflammation in the body, which can lead to arthritis or joint pain. Certain lifestyle changes and elimination of purine-rich food can help in reducing uric acid in the body.
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eat foods with vitamin c
A study published in the Journal of Rheumatology found that people who consumed vitamin C had lower uric acid levels than those who consumed less. Another study suggests that vitamin C may reduce the risk of arthritis. Some of the best sources of Vitamin C include citrus fruits, peppers, strawberries, broccoli, Brussels sprouts and potatoes.
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Avoid purine-rich foods
It is not possible to completely avoid purines as small amounts are present in many foods. However, a person can follow a low-purine diet and take other steps to help lower purine levels. A low-purine diet consists mostly of fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Whereas, foods like red meat, seafood, organ meat, beer and whiskey are high in purine.
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don’t drink alcohol
Consumption of alcohol, especially beer, increases the risk of gout. Studies have shown that people who are prone to gout attacks should avoid beer, especially during an attack. However, it is believed that moderate consumption of alcohol may not increase the risk that much. Still, drinking alcohol in moderation is always a good idea.
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reduce sugar intake
Although high levels of uric acid are usually associated with a protein-rich diet, sugar intake can also play an important role in this. Fructose is a natural sugar found in fruits and honey. As your body breaks down fructose, it releases purines and increases uric acid levels. To prevent gout, limit or avoid your intake of sugar-sweetened foods.
keep the body hydrated
Drinking plenty of water helps your kidneys to excrete uric acid faster. Carry a water bottle with you at all times. Keep the body hydrated.
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