Uric acid may not be a familiar term like cholesterol or blood sugar, but its effect on your health is no less significant. It is a natural waste product formed when the body metabolises purines—substances in many foods and also naturally produced by the body. In normal circumstances, uric acid dissolves in the blood, travels through the kidneys, and is eliminated in the urine. Yet when the body creates too much uric acid or when the kidneys do not expel enough of it, amounts in the blood can exceed healthy levels.
Knowing what high uric acid does to your body is important—not only for people who have been diagnosed with gout or kidney stones but for anyone who wants to take a proactive approach to their overall well-being.
- First, the basics. Uric acid is a waste product your body makes when it breaks down substances called purines. These are found in certain foods like red meat, seafood, and alcohol. Normally, your kidneys filter it out, and it exits the stage gracefully via your urine. But when too much builds up, or your body can’t get rid of it efficiently, things get complicated.
- High uric acid, medically known as hyperuricemia, doesn’t always come with symptoms at first. It’s the stealthy type. But behind the scenes, it can be setting the stage for gout, a type of arthritis that’s as painful as it is problematic. Imagine your big toe suddenly feeling like it’s been set on fire while being crushed by a tiny, angry gremlin. That’s gout.
- But wait—it gets worse. Persistently high uric acid levels can also lead to kidney stones and chronic kidney disease. It’s also been linked to high blood pressure, heart disease, and metabolic issues. Basically, it’s a small molecule with a big ego.
The solution
So what’s a body to do? Hydration is your first defence. Water helps flush out excess uric acid. Then, take a look at your diet; limit purine-rich foods, sugar-sweetened drinks, and alcohol. Instead, go for vegetables, whole grains, low-fat dairy, and vitamin C-rich fruits.
Also, move. Physical activity improves overall metabolism and helps regulate weight, which is key, because obesity is a known trigger for high uric acid levels.
In short, don’t underestimate uric acid. Left unchecked, it’ll quietly dismantle your comfort. But with the right lifestyle choices and, when needed, medical help, you can keep this at bay.
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