What is Uric Acid? What is High and Low Uric Acid?

Uric acid, a naturally occurring waste in the body, is produced as a result of the breakdown of substances called purines. Purines are found in cells in the body and in some foods. Under normal conditions, uric acid is excreted from the body through urine after being transported to the kidneys through the blood. However, uric acid levels can increase or decrease if the kidneys do not excrete enough uric acid or if there is an excess of purines in the body. The optimal range of uric acid level is indicative of a healthy metabolism. Values ​​outside this range may indicate various health problems. Both high and low uric acid levels can be a symptom of serious underlying health problems. These conditions are often closely related to metabolism, kidney function and diet.

What is Uric Acid?

It is a waste that occurs as a result of the metabolism of naturally produced substances called purines. Purines are both found naturally in body cells and obtained externally through certain foods such as meat, seafood, and some legumes. Uric acid is formed by the breakdown of purines in the body. It is carried to the kidneys through the bloodstream. Here it is filtered by the kidneys and excreted in the urine.

The body usually excretes most of the uric acid produced as waste. But sometimes the body either produces too much uric acid or the kidneys cannot excrete this acid quickly enough. This causes uric acid levels in the blood to rise. High uric acid levels can lead to crystals building up in joints over time. This can cause a painful joint condition known as gout. However, low uric acid levels can also be an indicator of certain health problems. However, this situation is more rare. Regulating uric acid levels is important for a healthy metabolism and kidney function.

What Should the Uric Acid Value Be?

Uric acid value It is measured by a blood test. Normal uric acid levels for adults are as follows:

• In men: 3.4 – 7.0 mg/dL
• In women: 2.4 – 6.0 mg/dL

These ranges may vary by laboratory. Uric acid levels may fluctuate at different times of the day or depending on a person’s diet. Managing uric acid levels is possible with diet and lifestyle changes. Limiting consumption of purine-rich foods and maintaining a healthy weight can help lower uric acid levels. Additionally, drinking plenty of water can help the kidneys remove uric acid more efficiently. In case of hyperuricemia or hypouricemia, your doctor may recommend medication and order regular check-ups to monitor the condition.

What is High Uric Acid?

Having high levels of uric acid in the blood is known as hyperuricemia. Hyperuricemia occurs when the body produces too much uric acid or the kidneys cannot excrete enough uric acid through urine. Hyperuricemia usually does not cause symptoms. However, high uric acid levels over a long period of time can cause uric acid crystals to accumulate in joints and tissues. High uric acid, that is, hyperuricemia, can lead to a number of health problems in the body. This condition can cause various disorders as a result of uric acid accumulating in the blood and precipitating in the form of crystals in different areas such as joints or tissues. The main health problems that hyperuricemia can cause are:

• Gout Disease: The most common result of high uric acid is gout. Gout is a painful type of arthritis caused by the buildup of uric acid crystals in the joints. It usually manifests itself with sudden severe pain, redness and swelling in the big toe, knees, wrists and ankles. Gout attacks usually begin at night and reach maximum severity within a few hours.
• Kidney Stones: Hyperuricemia can lead to a condition in which uric acid can crystallize in the kidneys, causing stone formation. Uric acid stones can progress along the urinary tract, causing pain in the kidneys and urinary tract, difficulty urinating, and even infections. Kidney stones usually present with symptoms such as severe flank pain and bloody urine.
• Chronic Kidney Disease: Persistently high levels of uric acid can damage the kidneys over time and increase the risk of chronic kidney disease. This condition weakens the filtration capacity of the kidneys, which can cause serious health problems that can progress to kidney failure. Chronic kidney disease usually progresses slowly and can significantly affect kidney function in the long term.

Causes of high uric acid can be listed as follows:

• Excessive consumption of purine-rich foods such as red meat, offal, and seafood can increase uric acid levels.
• Uric acid levels may be higher in people who are overweight or obese.
• Metabolic syndrome; These include factors such as insulin resistance, hypertension, high cholesterol and abdominal obesity. All of these can increase uric acid levels.
• Elevated uric acid is also seen in kidney function disorders. Failure of the kidneys to adequately filter uric acid can lead to hyperuricemia.
• Uric acid levels may be higher in individuals with a family history of hyperuricemia or gout.
• Certain medications, such as diuretics, aspirin, and some immunosuppressive medications, can increase uric acid levels.

You can lower uric acid levels with some lifestyle changes. Fructose is a natural sugar found in fruit and honey. As your body breaks down fructose, it releases purines and increases uric acid levels. Remember that fructose in beverages is absorbed faster than the sugars in whole foods because beverages do not contain fiber, protein or other nutrients. Here are some steps to reduce the amount of sugar you consume:

• You can eat more whole foods.
• You can limit processed, packaged foods.
• You can check food labels for added sugars.
• You can suppress your sugar cravings with fresh fruits.
• You can replace sugary drinks with water, unsweetened drinks or unsweetened coffee.

Also, drinking plenty of fluids helps your kidneys remove uric acid faster. Drinking enough water can help support your kidneys. Always keep a water bottle with you. Set an alarm every hour to remind you to take a few sips.

What is Low Uric Acid?

Hypouricemia is the presence of low levels of uric acid in the blood. This condition is relatively rare. Although low uric acid levels usually do not cause symptoms, they can cause some health problems. Some of these can be listed as follows:

• Neurological Disorders: Uric acid plays an important role in the brain as a powerful antioxidant. Therefore, low uric acid levels may lead to brain cells becoming more vulnerable to oxidative damage. This may increase the risk of developing neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s disease.
• Various Liver Diseases: It may be a symptom of some liver diseases. Liver disorders associated with copper accumulation, especially Wilson’s disease, can affect uric acid production, leading to hypouricemia.
• Metabolic Problems: It may occur as a symptom of metabolic disorders. For example, low levels of uric acid in the blood may be associated with impaired glucose metabolism and may be linked to insulin resistance, hypoglycemia, or other metabolic disorders. These conditions can cause disruptions in energy metabolism and cellular functions.
• Reduced Antioxidant Protection: Uric acid acts as an important antioxidant in the body. Low uric acid levels can cause cells to become vulnerable to free radicals. This can increase cellular damage and accelerate aging processes. In particular, vital organs such as the heart, brain and kidneys may be at greater risk due to low antioxidant protection.

The causes of low uric acid are as follows:

• Some genetic diseases can affect the body’s production of uric acid, causing low levels.
• Some diseases that affect the liver’s purine metabolism can cause a decrease in uric acid production.
• Medicines that cause excessive excretion of uric acid from the kidneys can cause hypouricemia.
• Low uric acid levels may occur as a result of the kidneys working excessively and filtering too much uric acid.

When low or uric acid levels are detected, it is of great importance to get to the root of the problem and take the necessary measures. Examining causes such as genetic factors, abnormalities in liver and kidney function, or the effect of medications plays a critical role in managing this condition.