Uric acid is a waste product produced by the human body when it metabolizes purines, and under normal circumstances, uric acid will be excreted from the body through the kidneys and maintained in a certain state of balance.
However, when uric acid is produced or excreted in the body is overproduced or insufficiently excreted, it can lead to hyperuricemia, increasing the risk of gout and kidney disease. Today we will introduce 5 ways to help promote uric acid excretion.
A common cause of high uric acid
1. Eating habits:
Excessive intake of high-purine foods, such as red meat, seafood, organ meats, beer, etc., can lead to increased uric acid production. In addition, high-fructose drinks and sweets can also raise uric acid levels.
2. Metabolic abnormalities:
Abnormal purine metabolism in the body, resulting in excessive uric acid production or decreased excretion. This condition is common in patients with gout, as the serum uric acid level is elevated due to increased uric acid synthesis or decreased excretion in the body.
3. Renal dysfunction:
The kidneys are the main organs for uric acid excretion, and when kidney function is reduced, uric acid excretion is blocked, and the concentration of uric acid in the blood increases.
4. Obesity and Metabolic Syndrome:
Metabolic syndrome factors such as obesity, insulin resistance, diabetes, and hyperlipidemia can affect uric acid metabolism and lead to an increase in uric acid.
5. Drug effects:
Certain medications, such as diuretics, aspirin, and anti-tuberculosis drugs, can affect the excretion or synthesis of uric acid, resulting in an increase in uric acid levels.
6. Genetic factors:
High uric acid has a certain genetic predisposition in the family, and individuals are more susceptible if there is a family history of gout or high uric acid.
7. Other diseases:
Diseases such as hypothyroidism, polycythemia, psoriasis, etc., can also lead to elevated uric acid levels.
What are the dangers of high uric acid to the body?
1. Gout:
Uric acid is deposited in the joints to form urate crystals, which can lead to gouty arthritis, causing redness, pain, and limited movement in the joints.
2. Kidney stones:
Urate crystals are deposited in the kidneys to form uric acid kidney stones, which can lead to renal colic, hematuria, and kidney dysfunction.
3. Chronic kidney disease:
Long-term hyperuricemia can lead to tubular damage that can lead to chronic kidney disease, which may require dialysis in severe cases.
4. Cardiovascular diseases:
High uric acid is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases, including coronary heart disease, high blood pressure, and arteriosclerosis.
5. Metabolic syndrome:
High uric acid often coexists with other metabolic disorders (such as hyperglycemia, dyslipidemia, etc.), forming metabolic syndrome and increasing the risk of many diseases.
6. Nervous system damage:
High uric acid levels can lead to neurological damage, including peripheral neuropathy and cognitive decline.
5 ways
Helps uric acid to be excreted from the body
1. Drink plenty of water:
Increasing your water intake promotes urine production, which helps the body excrete uric acid in the urine. It is recommended to keep your water intake at 2-3 litres per day, especially after exercise or in hot weather.
2. Dietary adjustment:
Reduce your intake of high-purine foods, such as red meat, organ meats, seafood, and beer. Eat more low-purine foods, such as vegetables, fruits, and whole grains. Also, avoid high-fructose drinks and sweets, as fructose can increase uric acid production.
3, Maintain Healthy Weight:
Obesity increases uric acid levels, and losing weight can help lower uric acid. It is recommended to control weight by eating a balanced diet and exercising regularly, with at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week, such as brisk walking, swimming or cycling.
4. Avoid alcohol:
Alcohol, especially beer and spirits, interferes with uric acid metabolism and increases blood uric acid levels. Try to minimize or avoid alcohol, especially if uric acid levels are high.
5. Drug assistance:
Medications, such as allopurinol or febuxostat, used under the guidance of a doctor, can inhibit uric acid production and promote uric acid excretion. In addition, alkaline drugs such as baking soda can also help alkalize urine, improve uric acid solubility and excretion rate.