Uric acid is produced in the body when chemicals called purines metabolize. While normal levels of uric acid are not harmful, high levels can lead to health problems such as kidney stones and gout. Gout, which is a type of arthritis, occurs when uric acid crystallizes and is deposited into joints, most commonly the big toe, causing arthritic symptoms. Uric acid levels can become too high for many reasons, including the ingestion of purine-rich foods, overproduction of uric acid in the body and the inability to properly eliminate it.
Purine-Rich Foods
Purines are natural substances in the cells that, when broken down, become uric acid. In small amounts, purines act as antioxidants in the body and help protect it from damage, but they can become harmful when large amounts are ingested but are not eliminated. Most foods contain some purines, but some specific foods contain high amounts. Certain seafood, such as anchovies, mackerel, mussels, roe, sardines, scallops and shrimp are particularly high in purines. Meats can be high in purines as well, especially goose, partridge, liver, kidneys and heart. Meat products such as gravy and bouillon are also high in purines. Other foods containing high purine levels include asparagus, dried legumes, sweet breads, yeast extracts and beer.
Improper Elimination
Beer and other alcohols, such as whiskey and gin, should be avoided because of their high purine levels. Alcohol decreases the amount of uric acid the kidneys release into the urine. When this happens, more uric acid is left in the body to cause problems such as gout. Certain drugs, such as diuretics, also decrease the amount of uric acid the kidneys release, which raises the amount of uric acid overall. Other drugs that can increase uric acid levels include aspirin, niacin, chemotherapy drugs and immune-suppressing drugs. Frequent dehydration also decreases the amount of uric acid released through the urine.
Excess Production
The body can also produce high levels of uric acid on its own, generally due to a low-calorie diet or rapid weight loss. Certain genetic disorders also cause an increased production of uric acid. Some genetic disorders such as Lesch-Nyhan syndrome cause high levels because they affect an enzyme that controls uric acid levels. In those suffering from Lesch-Nyhan syndrome, a deficiency of the hypoxanthine-guanine phosphoribosyltransferase enzyme causes excess uric acid to build in the body fluid, which can lead to gout, poor muscle control and neurological problems.
Other Causes
Other possible causes of high uric acid levels include lead poisoning, hypothyroidism, high blood pressure, chronic kidney disease, recent surgery and psoriasis.
References
- University of Michigan Health System: Gout
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; Phyllis A. Balch, CNC; 2006
- Gout Education: Diet
