Too much uric acid in your system can lead to chronic pain and even death. Knowing how potassium plays a role in preventing an over-abundance of uric acid in your body can assist you in avoiding life- threatening conditions. Recognizing warning signs that uric acid is building up in your body is the first step to avoiding unnecessary pain and suffering.
Uric Acid
Your body creates a chemical called uric acid when it breaks down substances called purines. Beer, wine, liver, dried beans and peas, anchovies, mackerel and other food and drinks contain purines. Most uric acid in your body will dissolve in your blood and then travel to your kidneys. The uric acid will expel from your body through your urine, but if your body is unable to get rid of enough of the uric acid, you may develop hyperuricemia.
Hyperuricemia
Hyperuricemia is a condition that occurs when there is too much uric acid in your blood. A high uric acid level does not always cause health problems, but it can lead to the development of gout, kidney stones or kidney failure. A high level may appear before the development of high blood pressure, kidney disease or heart disease. It is not known whether a high uric acid level causes these conditions or is a warning sign that these conditions are developing.
Potassium
Potassium is classified as an electrolyte and it is a mineral that plays different roles in metabolism and body functions. It regulates acid-base balance throughout your body and is necessary for your heart to experience normal electrical activity. Potassium is needed to build muscle and for normal growth within your body, as well as plays a role in protein synthesis from amino acids and in carbohydrate metabolism.
Kidney Stones and Gout
A high level of uric acid in your body can lead to uric acid stones forming within your kidneys. Potassium has the potential to dissolve these stones by raising the PH level in your urine, alkalizing the urine, thus dissolving the stones. Gout is a condition that uric acid develops into crystals in your body and these crystals are deposited throughout the body, but most often in tendons, kidneys and joints. Potassium can help prevent the crystals from forming by making uric acid easier for your kidneys to get rid of and it can help dissolve the crystals once they have formed.
Considerations
Talk to your physician before beginning potassium supplements. Most people obtain an adequate amount of potassium in their diets so taking supplements may lead to hyperkalemia, a condition where too much potassium is in the blood.
