“You black-hearted doctor. How could it be a kidney problem when I just have a little back pain?” The middle-aged man stood in the consultation room, very agitated.
After understanding, we know that the man’s surname is Wang. Recently, he has been feeling stabbing pain in his knees and soreness in his lower back. This is why he came to the hospital, to see what was wrong.
Who would have thought that the experienced doctor, upon hearing his description, asked him to go for a kidney examination, leading to the scene at the beginning.
Why is “silent” when uric acid levels rise? Doctor reveals the truth
After the test results came out, Old Wang broke into a cold sweat – his serum uric acid level was as high as 880, his kidneys severely damaged, and he had developed nephritis.
The doctor pointed out that 80% of people with high uric acid levels, like Old Wang, only seek medical treatment when their joints or kidneys are severely damaged.
This is because the increase in uric acid is a slow and insidious process, with early symptoms often being minor and inconspicuous.
As time passes, the joints and kidney area will eventually send out stinging and sore sensations. However, at this point, some people may mistake it for overexertion or a sprain and not pay attention.
Reiterated: 2 “cracks” on the male body indicate the kidneys are already struggling
1. Cracked heels
During hospitalization, the doctor learned that Old Wang had noticed roughness in his heels and frequent cracking as early as half a year ago. At that time, the weather was cold, and he thought he had frostbite, so he didn’t pay much attention.
Under normal circumstances, our feet do not crack frequently. However, with persistent high uric acid levels and hormonal imbalance, kidney metabolism decreases, harmful substances cannot be expelled in large quantities, and they accumulate at the extremities.
This not only causes roughness and swelling in the feet but also frequent cracking of the heels. Thus, encountering such a situation in our lives should not be taken lightly.
2. Cracked lips
In addition, when uric acid levels rise, one may also experience dry mouth, thirst, and easily cracked or damaged lips.
This is because individuals with high uric acid levels have weakened urinary function, leading to reduced urine volume, yellowish urine, a strong odor, making it difficult for toxins to be expelled, accumulating in the body and causing a surge in kidney yang.
At this point, lips may start to crack, and even with frequent water intake, thirst cannot be relieved. Finding the root cause is crucial for targeted treatment.
In daily life, how can we reduce uric acid and protect the kidneys?
First, adjust the diet structure
Research has shown that the main reason for high uric acid levels is poor dietary habits. Therefore we must adjust our dietary structure according to our own physical condition.
Animal offal, seafood, legumes, and mushrooms are considered high purine foods and should be consumed in moderation. White wine, beer, carbonated drinks affect kidney metabolism and are best avoided.
Choose dairy products, eggs, and fruits as they are rich in nutrients and have low purine content.
Second, hydrate in a timely manner
Lastly, engage in physical exercise
Many people nowadays come home from work and lie in bed playing with their phones, without any physical activity, which is unhealthy.
Engaging in aerobic exercise can strengthen the body, promote blood circulation, enhance kidney immunity and metabolism, helping the kidneys excrete uric acid and harmful substances, preventing uric acid accumulation in the body.
It is recommended that middle-aged and elderly individuals with high uric acid levels opt for low-intensity exercises like Tai Chi, Baduanjin, or stationary marching to avoid causing secondary damage to the kidneys and joints. Younger individuals can choose high-intensity exercises such as running, swimming, or jumping rope.
Health Tips:
Under normal circumstances, the serum uric acid level for adult males ranges from 149μmol/L to 416μmol/L, while for adult females, it is between 89μmol/L and 357μmol/L;
For males over 60 years old, the normal serum uric acid level is between 250μmol/L to 476μmol/L, and for females, it is between 190μmol/L to 434μmol/L.
It is advisable to have an annual check-up and adjust your diet and lifestyle habits according to the results; even if uric acid levels are abnormal, early detection allows for prompt treatment.
