Why is Uric Acid important for your Healthspan?
Uric Acid levels are important for maintaining joint health and overall metabolic balance. Chronically elevated uric acid is the primary cause of gout, a painful inflammatory arthritis that can impair mobility and quality of life. Beyond gout, high uric acid is increasingly associated with an increased risk of kidney stones, high blood pressure, metabolic syndrome, and cardiovascular issues. Monitoring uric acid helps in preventing these conditions and guides strategies to support long-term joint function and metabolic well-being.
What is Uric Acid?
Uric acid is a chemical waste product that forms when the body breaks down purines. Purines are natural substances found in many foods (such as red meat, seafood, and certain alcoholic beverages) and are also produced by the body's cells as they turn over. After purines are metabolized, uric acid enters the bloodstream. Most of this uric acid is then filtered out by the kidneys and eliminated from the body through urine. In healthy amounts, uric acid may even act as an antioxidant in the blood. However, if the body produces too much uric acid or the kidneys do not excrete enough, it can build up in the blood, a condition known as hyperuricemia. This excess can then form crystals in joints, leading to gout, or contribute to kidney stone formation.
How do we take action?
If uric acid levels are found to be elevated, one should consult with a healthcare provider to investigate the cause and discuss appropriate management. Strategies often involve lifestyle modifications, including adopting a diet that limits purine-rich foods, high-fructose corn syrup, and excessive alcohol consumption. Maintaining a healthy body weight and ensuring adequate hydration are also important steps. For individuals with recurrent gout attacks or very high uric acid levels, a healthcare provider may discuss specific medications to lower uric acid production or increase its excretion. Regular monitoring helps manage uric acid levels and supports joint health and overall metabolic Healthspan.
Addtional Sources
1. Gounden, V., Bhatt, H., & Jialal, I. (2023). Renal Function Tests. In StatPearls. StatPearls Publishing. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29939598/
2. Zemaitis MR, Foris LA, Katta S, et al. Uremia. [Updated 2023 Apr 29]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK441859/
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