[Biology Class Notes] on Uric Acid Symptoms Pdf for Exam

Humans are Ureotelic organisms, which means the major waste product generated in our body is urea. Along with urea, uric acid is also a waste generated in our body as a result of digestion and absorption of food that we eat. Food molecules containing purines generate the waste product uric acid in the body. High levels of purines are found in some food products like meat, dried beans, and beverages like beer.

Kidneys are the primary organ involved in the process of excretion and are responsible for eliminating wastes in the form of urine from the body. When we consume an excess of purines containing food and our kidneys fail to excrete all the amount of uric acid from the body, it leads to the build-up of uric acid in the body. This build-up also takes place in our blood cells and it leads to an abnormal condition known as hyperuricemia.

There is a chance due to the build-up mentioned above that there can be high levels of uric acid in the body. High uric acid levels or hyperuricemia can lead to a number of diseases that nobody would really want to have. The condition will generally lead to arthritis that is painful, also known as gout. It also leads to various heart diseases, diabetes, and even kidney diseases. 

The Consequences of High Uric Acid Levels

The condition is actually one that is not to be just ignored. It is known and even proven by the experts that it can lead to one having several consequences on their health. It has been determined, over the years, that one should not leave their high uric acid levels untreated. It has been identified by many excerpts that if done so, it can lead to permanent bone damage. The same type of threat is also to one’s body tissues and joints, which may damage significantly if their high uric levels are not taken care of on time. 

Many researchers have also come to the conclusion that there is a very strong link between high uric acid levels and various diseases such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, and fatty liver disease.

Causes of High Uric Acid

Uric acid is basically a waste product by the kidneys. And when the kidneys fail to eliminate this product from the body, it can lead to a condition called hyperuricemia. 

But, what really causes that? Well, to answer this question, we have rounded up a few factors that lead to high uric acid levels in one’s body. These are as follows:

This basically means that the kidneys have been functioning inefficiently, and as a result not being able to completely expel the uric acid generated from the body of a person.

It can be caused due to the consumption of foods that contain purine such as meat, beans, etc. The condition can also be caused due to the consumption of alcoholic beverages.

Various health issues such as blood pressure, diabetes, kidney diseases, high cholesterol, obesity, etc. can also lead to high uric acid levels

There are a few genetic disorders that may lead to hyperuricemia

There are many rare conditions or diseases in which the use of certain medications can lead to high uric acid levels. A few deficiencies of vitamins can also contribute to this condition.

Preventions of High Uric Acid

Uric acid levels can be lowered by natural preventative measures. These measures include-

• Weight reduction, exercises, yoga, and a healthy diet. Obesity is the reason causing high uric acid levels in the body.

• Consumption of low-fat dairy products.

• Avoid alcohol, beer, and soft drinks.

• Drinking a lot of water and natural decoctions. Tea is a very good natural beverage that also supports the proper functioning of kidneys.

• Avoid purine-rich foods.

• Avoiding dehydration.

• Reducing sugar intake.