Uric acid is a metabolite produced by the body's metabolism of purines and is normally excreted through the kidneys. However, when uric acid is produced too much or excreted poorly, the level of uric acid in the blood rises, resulting in hyperuricemia.
If left uncontrolled for a long time, this condition can lead to gout and other complications. People with high uric acid may have the following three manifestations when they sleep at night, and I hope you don't account for any of them.
What are the dangers of long-term high uric acid?
Gout:
High uric acid is the main cause of gout. When uric acid is concentrated too high in the blood, it can form crystals in joints and tissues, causing severe pain, redness, swelling, and inflammation, commonly found in the big toe, knees, and finger joints.
Kidney stone:
Uric acid crystals are deposited in the kidneys and can form kidney stones, causing symptoms such as severe lower back and abdominal pain, blood in the urine, and urinary tract infections. In severe cases, surgery may be required.
Renal impairment:
Long-term high uric acid can impair the normal function of the renal tubules and glomeruli, leading to chronic kidney disease and even kidney failure.
Cardiovascular disease:
High uric acid levels are strongly associated with cardiovascular diseases such as hypertension, coronary heart disease, and stroke. High levels of uric acid can impair vascular endothelial function and increase the risk of atherosclerosis.
Metabolic Syndrome:
High uric acid is often accompanied by metabolic syndromes such as obesity, diabetes, and hyperlipidemia, which increases the risk of heart disease and other chronic diseases.
People with high uric acid
Sleeping at night or having 3 manifestations
Joint pain
When uric acid is too concentrated in the blood, uric acid crystals may form in the joints, which can irritate the joints and cause pain.
At night, uric acid is more likely to be deposited at the joints due to reduced activity, so joint pain tends to worsen at night.
Frequent awakenings during the night
Hyperuricemia may lead to sleep disturbances, and patients may wake up multiple times during the night. This may be because of joint pain, or because high uric acid is affecting kidney function, causing frequent urination at night.
Swelling and edema
The kidneys are the main organs for uric acid excretion, and if uric acid is high for a long time, it may affect the normal function of the kidneys, resulting in edema.
Patients may not notice significant swelling before bedtime, but after overnight, they may wake up in the morning with slight edema in the lower limbs or eyelids due to the effects of gravity and decreased renal excretion.
How to lower high uric acid
1. Dietary adjustment:
Reduce your intake of high-purine foods such as red meat, organ meats, seafood, etc., and avoid beer and other alcoholic beverages.
2. Increase water intake:
Ensure adequate water intake every day to help the excretion of uric acid, and it is generally recommended to drink at least 2000 ml of water per day.
3. Control your weight:
Avoid rapid weight loss as this may lead to a rise in uric acid levels. Gradually lose weight by eating a balanced diet and exercising moderately.
4. Moderate exercise:
Moderate physical activity can improve metabolic function and promote uric acid excretion, but strenuous exercise should be avoided to avoid inducing gout.
5. Medication:
For patients whose uric acid remains high despite dietary and lifestyle modifications, urate-lowering drugs such as allopurinol or benzbromamaleic acid may be needed under the guidance of a doctor.