High uric acid is a common issue for many people nowadays, and its development is quite alarming, already ranking as the fourth highest and showing a trend to surpass the other top three. It can be described as a time bomb hidden in the body. If not lowered promptly, it poses a significant threat to health. So, what is the culprit? For those with high uric acid levels, if left untreated, it may remain high.
What is the “culprit” that causes high uric acid?
Foods high in purines are the main culprit for raising uric acid levels. When purines are ingested, they metabolize into uric acid. Consuming excessive high-purine foods leads to a buildup of uric acid when the metabolism cannot keep up, surpassing acceptable levels.
Consuming excessive high-fructose foods is also a culprit in raising uric acid levels. Many individuals with high uric acid levels focus on limiting high-purine foods but overlook high-fructose foods. This is ineffective as uric acid levels may not decrease easily. Foods with high fructose content, such as sugary fruits like sugarcane, pears, carbonated drinks, sweet fruit juice, sweetened milk, sugary yogurt, baked goods, sweet pastries, all contribute to higher fructose content. While it is acceptable for those with high uric acid levels to consume these in moderation, overconsumption can lead to elevated uric acid levels.
Alcohol is also a culprit in raising uric acid levels. Alcohol has various adverse effects on the body, not only affecting metabolism but also raising uric acid levels when consumed excessively. Individuals who enjoy drinking alcohol are more likely to have high uric acid levels. Once uric acid levels are elevated, it is crucial to abstain from all types of alcohol, including red wine, beer, and spirits, to reduce uric acid levels.
Poor lifestyle habits are hidden culprits behind elevated uric acid levels. Many people believe high uric acid levels are solely diet-related and can be controlled by dietary restrictions. However, high uric acid levels are not simply caused by diet but are also influenced by numerous poor lifestyle habits like smoking, staying up late, prolonged sitting, which can elevate uric acid levels. These habits can disrupt metabolic processes internally for individuals with high uric acid levels, making it challenging for uric acid levels to decrease.
When an individual has high uric acid levels, the body exhibits various signs to indicate the need for immediate uric acid reduction.
What signs does the body show when uric acid levels are high?
Frequent joint discomfort, numbness, and warmth might indicate elevated uric acid levels. If uric acid builds up in the body and cannot be efficiently eliminated, it tends to accumulate especially in the joints, causing mild joint pain. If experiencing such symptoms, it is essential to address uric acid elimination promptly.
If there is persistent foam in the urine during excretion, this could point to high uric acid levels. Individuals with high uric acid levels should regularly monitor their urine for any unusual changes, like color variations or presence of foam, as these indicate elevated uric acid levels affecting other parts of the body. It is important to promptly lower uric acid levels when these manifestations occur.
When individuals with high uric acid levels exhibit these symptoms, it implies that uric acid levels are likely elevated and prompt action is required to reduce it. To effectively reduce uric acid levels, one should avoid factors that elevate uric acid levels, consume fewer high-purine and high-fructose foods, refrain from alcohol consumption, maintain a healthy lifestyle, stay hydrated, engage in regular physical activity, and follow a well-balanced diet. This approach will help stabilize and lower uric acid levels effectively.