Uric acid is a chemical compound that arises from the decomposition of purines, substances found in proteins. These dissolve in the blood to be transported to the kidneys and expelled through urine. Although this is a natural process, when there is an excess of it, the body presents symptoms such as joint pain and kidney stones.
“Uric acid levels should not exceed 3.5 to 7.2 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) to avoid causing problems. However, excessive consumption of protein and alcohol causes them to increase,” says Héctor Luna, an endoscopist.
Elevated uric acid can be caused by two factors: either the body produces too much of this chemical compound or it does not eliminate it enough. However, factors such as drinking too much alcohol or carbonated water, eating too many foods with fructose, high blood pressure, obesity, genetics, and kidney problems cause uric acid levels in the blood to increase.
A diet rich in purines, such as high consumption of liver, sardines, and red meat, also causes high uric acid.
Symptoms of high uric acid
Although elevated uric acid is linked to gout and kidney stones, most people with this condition do not have any symptoms of these. Instead, they have inflammation in the joints, which causes pain in the hands, feet, and knees. They also tend to become red and deformed over time due to excess uric acid crystals.
There may also be a sensation of heat in the joints and problems urinating. If you have these symptoms, it is best to visit a doctor to avoid complications such as kidney stones and gout.
Consequences
The main consequence of not paying attention to the symptoms of high uric acid is to suffer gout attacks. “It is a disorder in which uric acid crystal deposits accumulate in the joints as a result of high concentrations of uric acid in the blood. This causes outbreaks of painful inflammation in and around the joints,” reads the MSD Manual.
The symptoms of gout are inflammation in the first metatarsophalangeal joint, that is, the one that connects the big toe to the foot, especially on its outer surface.
“The most common symptom is extreme pain in the big toe. It usually appears, above all, at night or when we get up. If it happens while we are sleeping, it can wake us up because we can’t stand even the bed sheet rubbing against our skin. The toe becomes swollen and turns red, especially the area surrounding the joint,” explains Gabriel Solís, an internist.
Other consequences include having risk factors for cardiovascular disease and hypertension, as well as kidney stones.
How to lower uric acid?
In the treatment for high uric acid, the use of medications is recommended, such as colchicine, which serves to relieve pain, because it is very strong; and other drugs that regulate the production of this chemical compound or that promote its elimination.
In addition to medications, a balanced diet is recommended, as well as avoiding alcoholic beverages and proteins rich in purines such as seafood, red meat, and pork, as well as tomatoes and beans.
According to María José Ovalle, a natural medicine therapist, and holistic health coach, there are some plants and fruits that help reduce uric acid levels, for example, nettle, sarsaparilla, horsetail, birch, blueberries, blackberries, cherries, strawberries, artichokes, dandelions, corn silk, rosemary, and juniper.
The recommendation is to “Prepare an infusion with a teaspoon or 5 grams of the plant in a cup of boiling water, cover, and let it sit for 2 minutes. Drink 3 times a day.”
You can also support it with cranberry, blackberry, or red fruit juices, as they are excellent purifiers. As well as beet, carrot, and apple juices on an empty stomach.
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