5 reasons why controlling uric acid levels is a must for good health

When uric acid levels shoot up, you may have gout, kidney stones or other health problems. So, make sure to control uric acid levels.
Uric acid levels can affect joints
High uric acid levels can affect your joints. Image courtesy: Adobe Stock
Natalia Ningthoujam Updated: 17 Oct 2023, 18:31 pm IST
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A lot of our health issues pop up due to our diet, daily habits or even medicines. Gout and kidney stones are just some of the examples. You or your loved ones can have them if the uric acid levels are high. Uric acid is basically excreted by the kidneys, and it’s necessary to keep its level in check. You can start by preparing a balanced diet and encouraging your family member to focus on weight loss. After all, no one wants to invite any unwanted disease or health condition.

Health Shots connected with Dr Bharat Agarwal, Consultant General Medicine, Apollo Hospitals Navi Mumbai to know about the importance of controlling uric acid levels.

uric acid
High-purine foods must be avoided to control high uric acid levels. Image courtesy: Shutterstock

Reasons to keep uric acid levels under control

When the levels of uric acid in the body go up, it can lead to a condition called hyperuricemia, says Dr Agarwal. It may cause gout, kidney stones, or other health problems. The normal upper limit is 6.8 milligrams per deciliter, so make sure it doesn’t go beyond that. Here’s why it’s necessary to reduce uric acid levels!

1. Prevention of gout

Gout is quite a painful inflammatory condition that is caused by the deposition of uric acid crystals in joints. By controlling uric acid levels, the risk of developing gout can be reduced. This is especially important for those who have a family history of gout or have other risk factors for the condition.

2. Protection of kidney function

Elevated levels of uric acid can contribute to the formation of kidney stones, which can lead to kidney damage if left untreated, says the expert. Also, uric acid can cause damage to the kidneys themselves, leading to kidney disease. By keeping uric acid levels under control, the risk of developing kidney stones or kidney disease can be reduced.

3. Management of hypertension

High blood pressure or hypertension, is a common condition that can increase the risk of heart disease and stroke. If the levels of uric acid are high, it may contribute to the development of hypertension. By controlling uric acid levels, blood pressure can be better managed, potentially reducing the risk of these serious health complications.

4. Reduction of cardiovascular risk

Elevated levels of uric acid have been associated with an increased risk of heart disease and stroke. By controlling uric acid levels, the risk of these cardiovascular events can be reduced. This is especially important for those with other risk factors for heart disease, such as high cholesterol or diabetes.

5. Improvement in overall health

Keeping uric acid levels under control is good for your overall health and well-being. By reducing the risk of gout, kidney disease, hypertension and cardiovascular disease, your loved one may be able to live longer, healthier lives with improved quality of life. Also, managing uric acid levels may help to reduce inflammation in the body, which can contribute to a wide range of health problems.

Ways to control uric acid levels

There are several ways to make sure the uric acid levels don’t increase.

1. Diet

Eating a healthy diet that is low in purines, the compounds that break down into uric acid, can help to reduce uric acid levels. Foods that are high in purines include red meat and shellfish. Staying hydrated and avoiding sugary drinks can also help to flush out excess uric acid from the body, says the expert.

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2. Weight loss

Being overweight or obese can contribute to elevated uric acid levels. Losing weight through a healthy diet and exercise can help to reduce uric acid levels and improve overall health.

Alcohol increases uric acid
Avoid alcohol as much as possible. Image courtesy: Shutterstock

3. Avoid alcohol

Having alcohol can increase uric acid levels by interfering with the body’s ability to eliminate it. Avoiding or limiting alcohol consumption can help to control uric acid levels.

4. Treat underlying medical conditions

Certain medical conditions such as gout or kidney disease, can contribute to elevated uric acid levels. So, treating these conditions can help to bring uric acid levels under control.

Just remember that it is important to monitor uric acid levels regularly and to take steps to manage them if they become elevated.

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About the Author

Natalia Ningthoujam has written on various subjects - from music to films and fashion to lifestyle - as a journalist in her career that started in 2010. After getting stories from the crime scene, police headquarters, and conducting interviews with celebrities, she is now writing on health and wellness which has become her focus area. ...Read More

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