Everybody has heard of uric acid causing joint pain but exactly What is uric acid?
Uric acid is a chemical created in the body when substances called purines break down. This substance is mainly found in certain foods and drinks. These include anchovies, mackerel, dried beans, peas, and beer. When it exceeds a limit, uric acid levels start to rise than normal. However, uric acid dissolves in blood and travels to the kidneys, which is then filtered out from the body through urine. This is how a normal procedure works.
In case, the normal range of uric acid exceeds or the body is unable to get rid of it, the uric acid crystals start to accumulate in the joints. The most common complication is Gout, also known as the big toe.
Causes of High Uric Acid Levels
There is no one specific reason that results in exceeding the uric acid normal range in the body. Check the list below and find which factor relates to your condition. If one is unable to find the true root cause, consult the experts of Dr. Sharda Ayurveda.
- High purine diet
- Alcohol
- Some medications
- Kidney problems
- Obesity
- High blood pressure
- Genetics
- Excess sugar
Elevated Uric Acid Symptoms
Uric acid crystals mainly attack the joints of the body. Therefore, major signs are linked to joints.
- Pain in joints
- Limited movement of the joint
- Redness, stiffness, & swelling
- Kidney stones
- UTI
- Dry, chapped, & irritated skin
- Blurred vision
Health Risks Associated with High Uric Acid
Any imbalance in the body can lead to the risk of more complications in the body. A similar case is one with the uric acid. If this condition is not ignored and managed on time, it won’t leave any long-term side effects on the body. Else, here’s what one has to suffer for the ignorance –
- Gout
- Kidney stones
- Heart disease
- High blood pressure
- Diabetes
- Fatty liver disease
How to Diagnose Uric Acid Level?
There are a few ways with which one can easily detect the levels of Uric Acid in their body. Doctors mainly diagnose it by understanding the physical symptoms the body shows when high on uric acid. The symptoms are shared above. Else, a test for uric acid is also available to know the exact readings.
First, blood test. In this test, a healthcare professional will get a small sample of the blood with a needle. Then this sample is further sent to the lab. This test is also known as a serum uric acid measurement.
Second, urine test. After collecting the urine sample, it is then further sent for testing to the laboratory.
Natural ways to reduce Uric Acid
By making small changes to your diet and lifestyle, you can naturally support your body’s ability to reduce uric acid naturally and effectively. Here are some simple, natural ways to help reduce it.
Diet
Uric Acid main cause is less hydration and consuming high-purine food items or alcohol. Therefore, by adjusting the diet one will notice significant results in their symptoms. It is even said by health experts that the right choice of food reduces uric acid naturally. Let’s understand in short what points one needs to keep in mind while wanting to regain their health.
- Citrus fruits
- Cherries
- Lime juice
- Banana
- Berries
- Apples
- Tomatoes
- Broccoli
- Leafy veggies
- Beans
- Nuts
- Seeds
- Coffee
- Milk
- Yogurt
- Oats
- Rice
- Quinoa
- Pumpkin
- Cucumber
Reminder: Managing Diet is a part of uric acid natural treatment but not the actual treatment. If the condition is severe, try consulting a doctor for proper uric acid ayurvedic treatment.
Weight Management
Medical science says excess weight contributes to the increased risk of developing gout and hyperuricemia. The reason behind this is said to be decreased kidney function. The more one weighs the less efficient their kidney work. This directly leads to the buildup of uric acid in the body.
Even if someone is not overweight but has excess belly fat, it produces inflammatory chemicals that trigger gout. Thus the best way to manage body fat includes –
- Walking
- Running
- Swimming
- Cycling
- Yoga
- Strength training
Hydration & Rest
First: Hydration. If the body remains hydrated from the inside, it will help the kidneys to easily flush out the toxins and uric acid faster. It is the responsibility of the kidneys to filter 70% of the uric acid from the body. As read above, uric acid increases the risk of kidney stones. Hydration will help its prevention as well.
Second: Rest. Sleep deprivation or poor sleep quality can contribute to higher levels of uric acid. This is because it can activate proteolytic pathways. It breaks down the proteins into by-products like purines, i.e., one of the major causes of the development of uric acid. Thus, hydration and sleep are as important as the right diet.
Conclusion
If someone wishes to manage their uric acid naturally, there are various steps to be taken. The most important of all is making changes in dietary choices. Second, shredding extra fat to maintain a healthy weight. One can also go for a personalized treatment in Ayurveda for more appropriate results. Dr. Mukesh Sharda, the founder of Dr. Sharda Ayurveda is a leading expert in managing such health conditions by following ancient Ayurvedic methods. With her guidance, she has already healed lakhs of patients.