Avein is natural compounds produced by the body. Normal uric acid levels do not cause health problems. However, if the levels are too high and accumulate in the blood, uric acid can trigger various diseases, such as gout and kidney stones.
Uric acid is formed from the process of breaking down purine substances found in foods and beverages, such as red meat, seafood, liver, tuna, beans and beer. Then, the blood will carry purines to the kidneys to be filtered, and the rest is excreted through the urine.
If the body produces uric acid in excess and the kidneys are unable to get rid of it, uric acid will build up in the blood. This can then trigger the formation of kidney stones and the occurrence of arthritis due to the buildup of uric acid crystals that attack the joints.
Therefore, to see whether your uric acid levels are normal or not, a blood uric acid level test and a urine uric acid level test are needed.
Uric Acid Test dBlood realm
Blood tests can be done to determine the possibility of gout or inflammation of the joints due to high levels of uric acid. Test results can usually be obtained in a short time, but this depends on each laboratory.
It should also be noted that there may be differences in the reference for normal uric acid levels between one laboratory and another. However, don't worry, because usually the laboratory will include the reference used.
Before the blood uric acid test is done, your doctor may advise you to fast. In general, the value of normal uric acid levels in adult men and women is slightly different, namely:
- Women: 1.5–6.0 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL)
- Men: 2.5–7.0 mg/dL
If your uric acid levels exceed normal levels, you may experience symptoms of gout, such as:
- Pain in the joints and fingers
- Swollen and red feet
- Feet or joints feel hot to the touch
- Difficulty walking or moving painful joints
Complaints due to increased uric acid levels can persist for several days or about 1-2 weeks. To treat this condition, you can take pain relievers and uric acid-lowering drugs according to a doctor's prescription.
Uric Acid Test dUrine nature
A uric acid test in urine is usually done when a blood test shows high uric acid levels or if you show symptoms of gout. In addition, urine tests are also usually done to determine whether there are kidney stones due to high uric acid levels.
In a urine test, you need to record the time you urinated for the first time in the morning. This is useful for marking the initial time of urine collection for 24 hours. Then, you need to store the urine from the second urination onwards for up to 24 hours.
After that, you will need to put the urine into the sample bag provided by the laboratory for examination. The normal level of uric acid in urine collected over 24 hours is 250–750 mg or 1.48–4.43 millimoles (mmol).
How to Maintain Normal Uric Acid Levels
To maintain normal uric acid levels, there are several ways that can be done, such as:
- Limit consumption of red meat, seafood, liver, nuts, and sardines.
- Avoid smoking and consuming alcoholic beverages.
- Avoid consuming drinks that contain artificial sweeteners, such as packaged or canned drinks.
- Exercise regularly, ie for 20-30 minutes every day or at least 3 times a week.
- Drink enough water to prevent dehydration and buildup of uric acid in the kidneys.
To prevent gout, it is important for you to maintain normal uric acid levels. If uric acid levels are too high and untreated, it can be harmful to health.
Therefore, if you have high uric acid test results or feel symptoms of gout rheumatism, consult your doctor so that you can get treatment.