What Is Uric Acid and How Does It Affect Your Body?

Uric acid might sound like a complicated scientific term, but it’s something that affects many of us in everyday life. If you’ve heard of gout, kidney stones, or joint pain and wondered if uric acid has something to do with it, you’re not alone! Let’s dive into what uric acid is, how uric acid impacts our health, and most importantly, how we can keep it under control with some easy changes in our daily life.

Understanding Uric Acid

Uric acid is a natural substance found in your blood, and it’s produced when your body breaks down purines—compounds that are found in certain foods and drinks. Once the purines break down, they create uric acid, which is usually filtered out of the blood by your kidneys and excreted through urine. It sounds simple, right?

However, problems arise when your body either produces too much uric acid or when your kidneys can’t remove enough of it. When this happens, uric acid starts to build up in the bloodstream, and over time, it can form crystals in the joints or kidneys. These crystals are sharp and can cause pain and inflammation, which leads to conditions like gout or kidney stones.

How Does Uric Acid Affect the Body?

1. Gout: One of the most common problems caused by high levels of uric acid is gout. Gout is a type of arthritis, and it occurs when uric acid crystals accumulate in the joints, usually in the big toe. Gout attacks are painful and can cause sudden, intense swelling and redness around the joint. While gout is more common among men, it can also affect women, especially after menopause.
2. Kidney Stones: Another way uric acid can affect you is by causing kidney stones. These stones form when uric acid crystallizes and builds up in the kidneys. Kidney stones can cause severe pain, often in the lower back or sides, and might require medical procedures to remove. The idea of passing a kidney stone is enough to make anyone want to take action to prevent it.
3. Joint Pain and Inflammation: When uric acid levels rise, it can also cause general joint pain and inflammation. Chronic pain in the knees, elbows, or other joints might be a sign of higher-than-normal uric acid levels. This pain can make even simple activities like walking or climbing stairs feel challenging.

What Does High Uric Acid Indicate?

Having high levels of uric acid in the body is known as hyperuricemia. This condition may indicate that your kidneys aren’t effectively removing uric acid, or it might be a sign that your body is producing too much. Several elements can divert to high uric acid levels, such as:

• Diet: Eating foods high in purines (like red meat, seafood, and alcohol) can increase uric acid levels.
• Dehydration: When your body is dehydrated, it struggles to flush out uric acid properly.
• Obesity: Being overweight can make it harder for the kidneys to filter uric acid.
• Genetics: Sometimes, uric acid problems run in families.
• Medical Conditions: Conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, and kidney disease can contribute to high uric acid levels.

How to Prevent Uric Acid Formation in Your Daily Life

The good news is, you don’t have to rely on medication alone to manage uric acid level. Small every day changes into your routine can have a huge impact! Let’s explore some simple, everyday steps that can help:

1. Uric acid causing food: In India, we love our rich, flavourful food, but it’s important to moderate the intake of foods that are high in purines. Foods like:
   • Red meat (mutton, beef, etc.)
   • Seafood (prawns, sardines, and shellfish)
   • Organ meats (liver, kidney)

are known to boost uric acid levels. Instead, focus on eating plant-based foods, whole grains, and low-fat dairy products. Try adding more legumes, tofu, and lentils (dal) into your meals—foods that are lower in purines.

1. Stay Hydrated: Water is your best friend when it comes to flushing out uric acid. Aim to drink at least 8 glasses of water a day, especially if you live in a warm place like India. You can also enjoy coconut water, which is great for hydration and helps in the natural elimination of toxins from your body.
2. Limit Alcohol and Sugary Drinks: While a glass of whiskey or beer might sound refreshing, it can contribute to increased uric acid levels. Similarly, sugary drinks, like sodas or sweetened juices, can raise uric acid and lead to other health issues. Opt for natural drinks like buttermilk or mint lemonade.
3. Lose Weight Gradually: If you’re carrying excess weight, try losing it slowly and steadily. Weight loss helps improve kidney function, which means your body can filter out uric acid more effectively. Even losing just 5-10% of your body weight can make a big difference in lowering uric acid levels.
4. Exercise Regularly: Physical activity, such as walking, yoga, or even traditional Indian exercises like surya namaskar, can improve overall circulation and kidney function. Regular exercise helps in maintaining a healthy weight and reduces the risk of developing gout and kidney stones.
5. Limit High Purine Vegetables: Certain vegetables, like spinach, asparagus, and cauliflower, contain moderate amounts of purines. While they’re still healthy, you might want to reduce their intake if you are suffering with uric acid. Opt for fresh leafy greens, cucumber, and tomatoes—these are better options for your body.
6. Add Anti-Inflammatory Foods: Ginger, turmeric, and cherries are known for their anti-inflammatory properties and can be very helpful in managing uric acid levels. For instance, having a warm cup of ginger tea or adding turmeric to your curries can reduce inflammation and pain in the joints caused by high uric acid.

When to See a Doctor?

If you’re experiencing frequent joint pain, sudden swelling, or pain in your feet or back, it might be a sign that your uric acid levels are too high. It’s a good idea to consult a doctor for a blood test to check your uric acid levels. Your doctor may suggest dietary changes, medications, or even lifestyle modifications to keep the uric acid levels in check.

Conclusion

Managing uric acid levels isn’t just about avoiding certain foods; it’s about adopting a healthy lifestyle that includes proper hydration, a balanced diet, regular exercise, and managing your weight. By understanding the role of uric acid and being mindful of how it affects your body, you can prevent conditions like gout and kidney stones from causing unnecessary pain and discomfort.

As Indians, we have a rich tradition of foods and remedies that promote health, and incorporating some of these changes in our daily lives can make a big difference in managing uric acid levels effectively. Start today by making small changes, and you’ll see improvements in your health in no time!