Uric acid is a breakdown product that results from the processing of various foods. If the laboratory value is too high, the body has excreted too little of said uric acid (eg via the kidneys). This can have various possible causes – and sometimes fatal health consequences.
Uric acid is a by-product of certain foods. With a healthy and varied diet, the body usually keeps the balance by itself by excreting excess uric acid via the kidneys, intestines, sweat and saliva. If he doesn’t, it can be dangerous. What consequences an increased uric acid value can have, how it can happen and how you can deal with the finding in a natural way – you can read all about it at FITBOOK.
What disrupts the excretion of uric acid?
There are several conditions that can affect the ability to eliminate uric acid. In addition to previous physical stresses, this includes dietary and lifestyle habits. Purines are special protein compounds that are found in particularly large amounts in certain foods. If these are consumed too frequently or in too large quantities, this can prevent the body from excreting sufficient uric acid.
In addition, severe obesity, alcoholism and stress are among the disruptive factors for the breakdown of uric acid.
Too much uric acid can cause disease
Uric acid and gout – this connection is well known. Accordingly, too much uric acid can lead to the formation of uric acid crystals and deposits in the joints, with the possible result of inflammation and the aforementioned metabolic disease. Symptoms of too much uric acid are therefore usually those that result from the secondary disease gout, such as joint pain.
However, the list of diseases that an elevated uric acid level can promote does not end here. The German Society of Cardiology has long assumed that uric acid can increase the risk of a stroke.1 Elevated uric acid levels are also considered a risk factor for diabetes, kidney failure and hardening of the arteries.
Also interesting: 4 behavioral tips to protect yourself from gout
Study on life expectancy and high uric acid levels
As part of a study, researchers at the University of Limerick discovered that an extremely high level of uric acid in the blood can shorten lifespan by several years.2 The researchers noticed that the mortality rate in men and women in particular differs greatly.
“Optimum” uric acid level
The research team examined data from 26,525 men and women previously diagnosed with elevated uric acid levels. They assumed the optimal value to be 304 to 454 µmol/l for men and less than 409 µmol/l for women.
Men affected more often and more severely
If the uric acid concentration in the blood of men exceeds 535 µmol/l, a reduced lifespan of up to 11.7 years can be expected. At least that is the conclusion of the researchers, which can be read in the specialist journal «European Journal of Internal Medicine». In women, the lifespan is reduced by an average of 6 years if their level exceeds 416 µmol/l.
But be careful: too low a uric acid level (less than 238 µmol/l) can also be dangerous, especially for men. However, this occurs only very rarely and is then usually based on a metabolic disorder.
Also interesting: How do I know if I’m suffering from a lipid metabolism disorder?
Treat too much uric acid naturally
Whether your uric acid level is too high or too low should always be evaluated by a doctor. Also: what possible causes could be behind the laboratory values - and of course whether a drug treatment of the finding to lower the uric acid level would make sense.
Avoid foods containing purines
In principle, if the uric acid level is high, the consumption of purine-rich foods (especially from animal sources) should be severely restricted. And even healthy people should not overdo it with their consumption.
It is important to use yeast and soy products in moderation. Treacherous: Among the particularly purine-rich foods are those that should be part of a health-conscious diet. Meant are, for example
Animal purine sources particularly unfavourable
Animal purine sources are to be viewed particularly critically. Pork and red meat in general – especially offal and sausage products – but also the skin of e.g. B. Poultry are taboo if there is a tendency to high uric acid levels. And some types of oily fish (e.g. trout and herring), which score points for their high content of valuable omega-3 fatty acids, also contain many purines.
Drink a lot – but no alcohol
In addition, those affected are recommended to drink plenty of water in order to best support the function of the kidneys. Coffee and tea are actually also purine-rich foods. In the usual amounts consumed, however, there is apparently no risk, as nutritionists know.
Stricter, however, they see the ban on alcohol. This reduces excretion via the kidneys. If you have uric acid problems, please refrain from drinking alcohol-rich beverages (especially beer).