Uric acid is the main product of purine catabolism in the human body. Most of it is synthesized in the liver as a result of metabolic processes associated with the so-called purine bases, and excreted by the kidneys. There is also a uric acid depot in the human body, which is determined by the balance between its synthesis and excretion. This acid is concentrated in plasma and extracellular fluids. With its excessive content, health problems can arise, in particular, a disease such as gout develops. Excess uric acid is deposited in the form of sodium salts , forming crystals with sharp edges. These crystals can accumulate in any tissues of the body, but most often in the joints, thereby causing pain attacks, especially when felt with movements. Why is uric acid elevated? The reasons, treatment and diet to reduce it - we will consider all this in more detail.
Normal uric acid values
The level of uric acid in women, men and children is slightly different:
| Category of citizens | Norm | Units |
| Children under 14 years old | 120-300 | μmol / l |
| Women | 160-320 | μmol / l |
| Men | 200-420 | μmol / l |
After 60 years of age, the normal values of this indicator in women and men are equalized and range from 210 to 430 μmol / L. How to determine that uric acid is elevated, causes, treatment - all this will be discussed below.
What is hyperuricemia?
The term "hyperuricemia" means elevated uric acid counts. There are primary and secondary hyperuricemia in which there is an increased production of uric acid or a decrease in its excretion.
Primary hyperuricemia
Primary hyperuricemia is a congenital, or idiopathic, form. Approximately 1% of patients with a disease such as primary hyperuricemia have a fermentation defect in purine metabolism. This leads to excessive synthesis of uric acid.
Most often, primary hyperuricemia is congenital and may be associated with conditions such as:
- Kelly-Sigmiller syndrome;
- Lesch-Nigan syndrome;
- increased synthesis of phosphoribosyl pyrophosphate synthetase (congenital metabolic disorder).
It should be noted that a congenital form of hyperuricemia is rare.
Secondary hyperuricemia
Secondary hyperuricemia may be associated with increased intake of purine with food and may be accompanied by increased excretion (excretion) of uric acid in the urine. This fact may indicate malignant tumors, Fanconi syndrome, AIDS, diabetes mellitus, severe burns and hypereosinophilia syndrome (elevated levels of eosinophils in the leukocyte formula are determined in a general blood test). Also, this form of hyperuricemia can be caused by various pathological conditions.
Most often, uric acid levels increase due to a violation of the diet, or rather eating high-purine foods. These include legumes, liver, kidneys, tongue, brains and meat (beef, pork). Chicken meat, rabbit meat, turkey meat in this sense are safer, but it is also impossible to eat them without restriction. Gout is a disease in which uric acid in the blood is significantly increased. The causes (most common) of the occurrence of such a condition are eating disorders. Uncontrolled consumption of high-calorie fatty foods leads to the development of this disease.
Under what conditions is uric acid elevated. Causes. Treatment
Another reason for the increase in uric acid can be the weakening of the kidneys, which are unable to remove its excess from the body. In this case, the development of urolithiasis is possible, i.e., the formation of kidney stones.
High uric acid in the blood is sometimes observed with other diseases, such as:
- pneumonia;
- tuberculosis;
- typhoid fever;
- erysipelas;
- leukemia;
- psoriasis;
- eczema;
- liver disease
- severe diabetes;
- methyl alcohol poisoning.
A full examination should be carried out for people whose uric acid is higher than normal, and no symptoms are observed, that is, if this indicator in women reaches 400 μmol / l, and in men 500 μmol / l. This condition is called asymptomatic hyperuricemia and may indicate acute gouty arthritis. It is characterized by a fluctuation in the uric acid content from normal values to several times exceeding them.
How to determine the concentration of uric acid in the body?
In order to know the indicators of uric acid, you need to do a blood test. For this study, it is taken from a vein. This analysis does not require special preparation. But usually surrenders in the morning on an empty stomach in the treatment room of a medical institution.
The medical professional must present a referral for analysis, which the doctor must prescribe. It is possible that in parallel with uric acid, blood urea, creatinine, glucose and other indicators will be examined to determine possible concomitant diseases.
What to do if uric acid is elevated?
High uric acid values indicate the need for treatment. How to remove uric acid from the body, the doctor will tell. In some cases, specialists with hyperuricemia prescribe drugs, but the main treatment is to follow a certain diet, which must be followed throughout life. In addition, if concomitant diseases are identified, they need to be treated as much as possible. Very often gout provokes overweight, obesity. Therefore, you need to try to bring the weight back to normal.
Of the chronic diseases of gout, diabetes and atherosclerosis are most often associated with preventive maintenance treatment at least once a year.
Diet with high uric acid
With increased uric acid, you must constantly adhere to a certain diet.
- Rich meat broths are prohibited. And hence the soups on them too. Meat dishes should be limited to three times a week - no more. Moreover, the product must be selected non-greasy. And it is preferable to use it in boiled or baked form. Fatty foods are strictly prohibited.
- Salted, pickled and smoked foods are prohibited. It is also better to refuse shrimps and boiled crayfish. The diet should be limited in salt, and the drinking regime, on the contrary, should be strengthened. About 2 liters of liquid should be drunk per day. How to remove uric acid with mineral water? For this, it is good to use alkaline water.
- Caution should be taken with sorrel, mushroom, and cauliflower dishes.
- Legumes (peas, beans and others) with hyperuricemia should be sharply limited.
- Lactic acid products (fermented baked milk, "Snowball", kefir, sour cream) are better not to use at all with high rates of uric acid.
- Butter rolls and pastries from puff pastry should be completely deleted from the diet.
- Be careful with spices and spices. It is also advisable to exclude chocolate, it is allowed only sometimes in very limited quantities.
- It is forbidden to drink alcohol, as well as kvass, various energy drinks and soda, and very strong tea, too.
- Starvation is strictly contraindicated. Fasting days are possible, it is better to spend them on dairy products and fruits.
Physiotherapy for Gout
To reduce the concentration of uric acid, doctors often prescribe physiotherapeutic procedures, such as plasmophoresis. This procedure helps cleanse the blood of uric acid salts. But such an effect without dieting lasts a short time. A diet with increased uric acid is required. Prohibited foods must be completely deleted from the diet. Gout is a chronic disease, so a low purine diet is a must.
Traditional methods of treatment for gout
There are alternative methods for lowering uric acid counts. These are herbal teas from the leaves of currants, pears, grapes and strawberry mustaches.
It helps with gout tops carrots. For this, the fresh leaves of one root crop are finely chopped and poured with boiling water. Insist until completely cooled, and then filtered. The medicine is ready, take it in 1/4 cup at least 3 times a day.
Contribute to the excretion of uric acid and freshly squeezed juice of celery and carrots. They can be drunk individually or mixed in various proportions.
Conclusion
In what cases uric acid may be elevated, the reasons, the treatment of this condition were disassembled. It should be remembered that for people with high uric acid levels, the main therapy is proper nutrition and a lifestyle without alcohol.