5 Common Causes Of High Levels Of Uric Acid

High levels of uric acid in the blood are called hyperuricaemia. To maintain normal levels, one must reduce the intake of certain foods, foods that are rich in purines. The excess is removed through the urine or goes to the intestines. Or it can build up in the joints and form crystals.

Normal levels of uric acid are: 2.4 to 6.0 mg / dl for women and between 3.4 and 7.0 mg / dl for men.

High levels of uric acid can be dangerous to your health. It is important to keep the uric acid at the right level, or reduce it if it is higher than it should be.

Reasons for high levels of uric acid

One third of the uric acid found in the human body comes from foods and beverages that are rich in purine. The other two thirds are produced naturally by the body. Therefore, it is important to know about the causes of high uric acid levels.

Poor diet can cause high levels of uric acid

It may not be the only cause, but it is a very important factor in controlling the disease. Eating foods rich in purines, such as meat, offal, fish, sausages or burgers, can cause high levels of uric acid. Too much salt does not help either.

2. Refined sugar

Eating a lot of foods rich in sugar, such as sweets, refined sugar, sweet pastries, sugary drinks, processed fruit juices or chocolate, can also cause this problem.

Foods that are very rich in sucrose and fructose can increase uric acid levels. It is best to avoid them. Try to have a diet based on fruits and vegetables.

3. Alcohol intake

Drinking alcoholic beverages can cause problems with the hepatic metabolism of uric acid,  which causes the alcohol to build up in the body and increase uric acid levels. It can adversely affect the intestinal flora and cause a reduction in healthy bacteria.

4. Diuretic medications

These medications increase the production of urine to help control high blood pressure. The kidneys eliminate more water, which increases the risk of high uric acid levels because the kidneys are unable to do anything about it.

5. Overweight

Weight affects the risk of developing gout, which is a disease that occurs when uric acid builds up and forms crystals in the joints. Obesity, hypertension and diabetes increase the production of uric acid in the body and it is eliminated much more slowly.

Dietary recommendations to reduce uric acid levels

If your uric acid level is just a little too high, it can be easily treated by changing your diet. Foods that are high in fiber can reduce the level of uric acid in the blood and encourage better absorption of the intestines.

Foods high in fiber:

• Oats
• Spinach
• Broccoli
• Whole grains
• Foods that contain many antioxidants: berries, tomatoes, grapes, leaf beets.

It is recommended that you eat more whole grains and avoid refined carbohydrates such as white bread or sweets. These foods have low nutritional value.

Avoid foods such as:

• Trans fat
• Sugar
• Alcohol

Fat creates several triglycerides, which are deposited in the arteries and can cause heart attacks. Baked goods also contain a high amount of saturated fat and are not recommended.

Alcohol affects the elimination of uric acid from the body. You should also reduce the consumption of meat, chicken and fish, since animal proteins increase the level of uric acid in the body.

Other advice

Stay hydrated: It is important to increase your fluid intake, especially your water intake, to encourage the elimination of uric acid through the urine. We recommend that you drink 2 to 3 liters of water per day.

• Avoid too much salt to avoid fluid retention.
• Stick to a diet based on fruits and vegetables.
• Reduce the consumption of red meat and sausages.
• Avoid alcohol.
• Perform regular physical exercise for a variety of health benefits and to avoid joint pain.
• Try to maintain a healthy weight.
• Increase your intake of vitamin C. The recommended amount is 500 mg to reduce uric acid levels.
• Add tea or plant infusions such as horseradish or nettle, which are recommended to reduce uric acid levels and improve kidney function.

• It is always important that you look at your diet and exercise to maintain good health.