When we talk about uric acid, we are talking about a chemical produced by our bodies when decomposing purine. Its accumulation can lead to kidney stones and other disorders making it necessary to prevent the levels of uric acid from rising as this would have harmful consequences for our health. That is why you must lower the levels of uric acid if these are high; it is therefore also essential to know what is the normal level of uric acid in the human body.
What is uric acid?
Firstly, it is necessary to know in detail what we mean by uric acid, as we have all heard of it but perhaps are not entirely clear on what it is. It is a 'solid in the form of white scales which are slightly soluble in water, they consist of carbon, nitrogen, hydrogen and oxygen; their pathology on accumulation produces kidney stones and other disorders, such as gout', according to standard definitions.
In this way, we are faced with a substance which the human body creates when decomposing a substance known as purine. Most of the uric acid is dissolved in the blood and travels to the kidneys, where it is eliminated through urine, making this chemical not in itself problematic. The problems start when the body produces too much uric acid or it does not eliminate it sufficiently when hyperuricemia occurs, this is characterised by the depositing of crystals of uric acid in the form of needles within the joints.
Normal levels of uric acid
There are some values between which we must try to keep our levels of uric acid and thus avoid the negative consequences which are entailed by having high uric acid. In this way, the normal uric acid value should be maintained between:
- Women: 2,4 to 5.7 mg/dl
- Men: 3,4 to 7,0 mg/dl
To check what our uric acid level in the blood an analysis must be carried out, this can be separately or in a general request for the biochemical analysis of blood. The results from the laboratory will show the quantity or chemical concentration on this in the blood.
How is a uric acid test done?
The first thing you need to know is that there are certain medications such as ibuprofen and aspirin that you can't take before a uric acid exam, as they could interfere with the results. Alcohol is also prohibited before a uric acid test.
After a 4 hour fast, you will have a simple blood test that will analise the results in search for your levels of uric acid.
Reducing the level of uric acid
People with high levels of uric acid must visit the physician to receive the most appropriate treatment; furthermore, it will be essential to maintain an adequate diet and avoid foods high in purinethat worsen the situation. These include:
- Seafood
- Red meat
- Cured meats
- Guts
- Oily fish
- Carbonated soft drinks
- Alcoholic beverages
Similarly, we recommend you consult our articles:
- What foods are good for lowering uric acid
- How to lower uric acid
- What foods increase uric acid
Recommendations to lower uric acid
On the other hand, we can also take into account certain recommendations which will becomes very useful to lower uric acid such as:
- Drink plenty of water.
- Avoid food that contains purine
- Incorporate beneficial dietary foods
- Not drinking alcoholic beverages
Furthermore, you will continue to follow all the recommendations from your doctor and, if necessary, follow the pharmacological treatment provided.
This article is merely informative, oneHOWTO does not have the authority to prescribe any medical treatments or create a diagnosis. We invite you to visit your doctor if you have any type of condition or pain.
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