Uric acid is a natural waste product in the blood that comes from the metabolism of purine substances. This substance is generally contained in many types of food, such as meat and offal. If the level is too high, uric acid can cause gout.
In the body, purine substances from the food you consume will go through a metabolic process and be processed into uric acid. Furthermore, this waste substance which is also known as uric acid will be removed from the body through urine and feces.
However, in some people, the metabolism of these purine substances can run more slowly, so that the disposal process is hampered and causes a buildup of purines in the blood. The buildup of uric acid in the blood over time can cause hyperuricemia or gout.
Beware of the Cause of High Uric Acid in Blood
Purine substances are generally contained in several types of food and beverages. The following are some types of foods and drinks that are high in purine content:
- Innards
- Red meat, such as beef and mutton
- Seafood, including fish, shellfish, shrimp and crab
- Alcoholic beverages
- Vegetables, such as mushrooms, chickpeas, cauliflower, asparagus, and spinach
- Legumes, including kidney beans, peas, and soybeans
In addition to high-purine foods, accumulation uric acid It can also occur as a side effect of certain medications or supplements, such as diuretics, immunosuppressants, and vitamin B3.
Certain medical conditions, such as diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and psoriasis, can also cause high blood pressure levels uric acid in the body easier to rise.
High uric acid in the blood does not always cause symptoms. However, uric acid that accumulates in the body can settle and become stones in the urinary tract or kidneys. This can cause complaints of pain when urinating, waist or back pain, bloody urine, and gritty urination.
In addition, high levels of uric acid also often causes several complaints, such as joint stiffness, pain, swelling, and redness. A long-term build-up of uric acid can also cause lumps to appear on the bones called tophus.
Prevents Increase in Levels Uric Acid in Blood
In order to prevent gout and urinary tract stones due to high uric acid levels, you are advised to limit the consumption of foods high in purines. In addition, there are several ways that can be done to prevent the increase uric acid in the blood, including:
1. Limit consumption of sugar or sweet foods
In addition to foods high in purines, gout can also be caused by excessive consumption of sugary foods or drinks, especially those that contain lots of fructose.
Fructose is a simple sugar that is added to many foods and beverages. Therefore, it is better if you check the added sugar content which is generally listed on food labels before consuming it.
2. Avoid or limit alcoholic beverages
Alcoholic beverages, such as beer, are known to cause flare-ups of gout. Excessive or frequent consumption of alcohol is one of the common causes of elevated levels of uric acid and swelling and joint pain due to gout.
3. Maintain ideal body weight
People who are overweight or obese are generally more prone to having elevated uric acid levels. This is presumably because the body's fat tissue will produce more fat uric acid.
Obesity also makes the body slower to get rid of uric acid, so the substance will be easier to accumulate in the blood. Therefore, if you are overweight, it is recommended that you exercise regularly and improve your diet to achieve your ideal body weight.
4. Reduce stress
Unhealthy habits, such as frequent stress, lack of sleep, and infrequent exercise also contribute to high blood sugar levels uric acid easier to climb. Therefore, to prevent this from happening, from now on try to exercise more often, reduce stress, and get enough rest.
Generally, the rate uric acid in the body can be controlled with a healthy diet and regular exercise. In addition, to determine uric acid levels, you need to do regular health checks to the doctor. Blood tests can be done as an examination to monitor blood levels uric acid.
If the results of the examination show levels of uric acid If your blood pressure is high or if you experience symptoms of gout, immediately consult a doctor to get the right treatment.