Uric acid is a chemical created when substances in some foods known as purines are broken down through the digestive process. When uric acid, which is normally excreted through the urine, builds up in the bloodstream, it can cause a condition known as hyperuricemia.
Purines and Uric Acid
Purines are nitrogen-containing compounds that are either made inside the cells of the body or are consumed through purine-containing foods. The breakdown of purines produces uric acid, which is found in all people in small amounts. However, when excretion of uric acid through urine becomes impaired, purine-related health complications can arise. A normal uric acid level in females is 2.4 to 6.0 milligrams per deciliter and 3.4 to 7.0 milligrams per deciliter in males. Any uric acid level above normal range can lead to health complications.
Causes of Hyperuricemia
Hyperuricemia, or high uric acid levels, has two main causes. The primary cause of hyperuricemia is either an impairment in the kidneys that decreases excretion of uric acid from the body, or an overproduction of uric acid from the purines present in one's body. A secondary cause of hyperuricemia is a disease or condition, or treatment thereof, that causes high uric acid levels in the blood. Examples of secondary causes of hyperuricemia include certain medications, endocrine or metabolic conditions, such as certain forms of diabetes and kidney disease, or certain chemotherapies used to treat certain types of cancer.
Symptoms of Hyperuricemia
Hyperuricemia may not produce any symptoms, but symptoms that may arise include problems urinating and recurrent kidney stones, as well as inflammation of the joints referred to as gout. Gout is a form of arthritis caused by an accumulation of sodium urate crystals in the joints that produces painful inflammation most commonly felt in the toes. Hyperuricemia can be diagnosed using a blood test, and can be treated by diet therapy and medications such as xanthine oxidase inhibitors or uricosuric drugs that prevent deposition of uric acid crystals, as well as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents such as ibuprofen that provide pain relief.
Low Purine Diet
It is important to avoid eating high purine-containing foods such as liver, duck, scallops, mussels, anchovies, and yeast-containing items such as alcoholic beverages during treatment. Medium purine-containing foods, such as asparagus, spinach, beans, peas, lentils, oatmeal, cauliflower, and mushrooms should be consumed in limited amounts by those who have hyperuricemia or are at risk for it. A low purine is most beneficial for those at risk for or those with hyperuricemia. People should also consume 10 to 12 cups of liquid daily to flush out excess uric acid and maintain a healthy weight to decrease pressure on joints.
