Uric acid is a waste product produced by the body's natural breakdown of purines, which are substances in the body that contain nitrogen. Purines accumulate in the blood as a result of the normal turnover of cells or the breakdown of foods that contain purines. Normal uric acid levels fall between 3.0 and 7.0 mg/dL.
High Uric Acid Level
The kidneys remove most of the excess uric acid from the body through your urine; the remainder is usually eliminated in your stool. If the kidneys do not filter uric acid properly or your body increases its production of uric acid, it can lead to an abnormally high level of uric acid in the body, a condition called hyperuricemia.
Causes of Hyperuricemia
A variety of conditions may cause a high uric acid level in your blood. These conditions include the use of diuretics, alcohol abuse, excessive caffeine consumption, hypothyroidism, obesity, lymphoma, psoriasis, leukemia or lymphoma. Eating a diet that is rich in purines can also result in high uric acid levels. In some cases, a high uric acid level may not cause any complications. Other people may develop kidney stones, kidney failure or gout.
Symptoms
If you have high uric acid levels in your blood, the uric acid can form hard crystals, which usually accumulate in your joints. The symptoms of high uric acid levels are the same symptoms that are characteristic of gout. The most common symptom is intense pain in the affected joint, which is usually the big toe. Other commonly affected joints include the feet, knees, ankles, hands and wrists. After the pain diminishes, discomfort may last for several days. The affected joints may also be swollen and red.
High Purine Foods
If you have high uric acid levels or have been diagnosed with gout, you should follow a diet that is low in purines. This can help reduce the amount of uric acid found in your blood and prevent any physical symptoms from developing. The richest sources of purines include anchovies, herring, mackerel, scallops, mussels, sardines, game meats, organ meats, broth, bouillon, gravy and yeast. Foods that contain moderate amounts of purines include shellfish, poultry, beans, peas, lentils, asparagus, mushrooms, spinach, cauliflower, oats, oatmeal and whole grain breads.
