Uric Acid in the Human Body

 

Uric Acid in the Human Body: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment

✅ What is Uric Acid?

Uric acid is a waste product created when the body breaks down substances called purines, found in foods and produced by the body. It is usually dissolved in the blood and eliminated through the kidneys in urine.

When uric acid builds up (a condition known as hyperuricemia), it can lead to health issues like gout or kidney stones.

⚠️ Symptoms of High Uric Acid (Hyperuricemia)

1. Joint Pain (Gout)

   • Sudden, intense pain, commonly in the big toe

   • Swelling, redness, and warmth around the joint

   • Pain may last from hours to days

2. Kidney Stones

   • Severe back or side pain

   • Blood in urine

   • Frequent urination

   • Nausea or vomiting

3. Fatigue or Lethargy

   • Due to systemic inflammation

4. Urinary Issues

• Difficulty urinating or pain during urination

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🔍 Causes of High Uric Acid

Dietary Causes:

• High intake of purine-rich foods:

  • Red meat, liver, sardines, anchovies

  • Shellfish (shrimp, crab)

  • Alcohol (especially beer)

  • Sugary drinks with fructose

Health Conditions:

• Obesity

• Diabetes

• Hypothyroidism

• High blood pressure

• Kidney disease

Other Factors:

• Genetics (family history)

• Certain medications (like diuretics or aspirin)

• Dehydration

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🩺 Treatment and Management

1. Medications

• To reduce uric acid production:

  • Allopurinol

  • Febuxostat

• To increase uric acid excretion:

  • Probenecid

• Pain relief (for gout attacks):

  • NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen)

  • Colchicine

  • Corticosteroids

2. Diet and Lifestyle Changes

• Avoid purine-rich foods and sugary beverages

• Limit alcohol intake, especially beer

• Drink plenty of water – helps flush uric acid

• Lose weight gradually if overweight

• Exercise regularly but avoid extreme exertion during a flare-up

3. Home Remedies and Natural Support

• Lemon water: Helps alkalize the body

• Cherries: Shown to reduce gout flare-ups

• Apple cider vinegar: May support uric acid metabolism

• Low-fat dairy: Can help reduce uric acid levels

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🧪 Diagnosis

• Blood test for uric acid level

• Joint fluid test during gout flare

• Ultrasound/X-ray to detect uric acid crystals or stones

📌 Normal Uric Acid Levels

Group	Uric Acid Level (mg/dL)
Men	3.4 – 7.0
Women	2.4 – 6.0