Index
Very common to hear that someone has uric acid, soon imagining it to be a disease! In fact, uric acid is one of the substances naturally produced by the body itself and the problem is found when the levels of this substance are high. It occurs due to the breakdown of molecules of a protein found in different foods, purine, due to the action of an enzyme called xanthine oxidase. After being used in the body, these proteins are degenerated and become uric acid . Some of this acid remains in the bloodstream and the rest must be eliminated by the kidneys.
Normally uric acid does not cause major health problems, as it must be eliminated by the kidneys, but when it does not occur properly due to some kidney problem or by an excess of protein intake or even the production of uric acid is in excess and the body cannot react, the build-up in the joints is inevitable. This buildup can give rise to a joint disease popularly known as gout or by medicine as gouty arthritis.
Why Do Uric Acid Levels Increase?
Uric acid levels can rise due to several factors, including an increase in uric acid production or because the body itself is eliminating a small amount of urine, in some cases even due to the interference of some treatment being carried out or the use of some medications. This increase in uric acid levels is called hyperuricemia .
Due to the increase in these levels of uric acid in the blood, tiny crystals composed of sodium urate are formed, which have the appearance of small needles, which are distributed throughout the body, but in greater concentration in the joints, kidneys and under the skin .
IMPORTANT: Research carried out by the Instituto do Coração in São Paulo states that the high rates of uric acid increase the risk of the patient suffering strokes.
One of the main causes of excess uric acid is poor diet and excessive consumption of proteins, such as red meats and seafood. The consumption of alcoholic beverages is also responsible for the increase in the levels of uric acid in the body, which alters the production of urate in the body and also causes changes in the elimination by the kidneys.
Uric Acid Symptoms
The presence of these small urate crystals in the joints causes severe pain and attacks of secondary arthritis, especially in the lower areas of the body such as ankles, heels, toes and knees. Even if the lower limbs are the hardest hit, any other area and joints can be compromised.
It is very common to see swelling in the areas of the feet, fingers, ankles and knees, as well as a lot of difficulty in moving in these regions. The areas can become very red and warmer than usual. In extreme cases, the areas of the joints may start to become deformed due to the excess of crystals.
Another very affected area is the kidneys, since this excess in the levels of uric acid in the blood is responsible for the occurrence of kidney stones and even cases of chronic or acute renal failure. It is very common for patients with excess uric acid to have constant bouts of kidney stones , causing severe back pain and great difficulty urinating.
Uric Acid Treatment
Contrary to what many people believe, the excess of uric acid in the body can be cured! Usually the treatment is carried out and guided by a specialist doctor, the rheumatologist. Treatment should be based on changes in eating habits and, if necessary, medication to help reduce uric acid levels in the blood, along with anti-inflammatory drugs to control joint pain.
What not to eat?
The patient is given a specific diet with foods that must be reduced in consumption or cut from the food menu instead. Red meats, fish and seafood , fatty foods, as well as alcohol consumption should be avoided as much as possible!
The best menu for those who suffer from excess uric acid in their blood is organic and natural foods, always on the run from industrialized foods. However, some organic foods are also not indicated for treatment, due to their high purine content, so we will highlight them.
- Red meats in general;
- Chicken meat;
- Fish, cod, seafood, mussels, sardines;
- Fruits that are usually very sweet, especially when ripe (mango, persimmon, pineapple)
- Embedded;
- Alcoholic beverage, especially beer
Foods such as breads, cookies and cakes that are considered refined carbohydrates are also not recommended for patients with excess uric acid, should have their consumption reduced. Foods like tomatoes, cauliflower, peas, mushrooms and asparagus are also not recommended as they cause acid retention in the body.
Foods That Reduce Uric Acid
Since we talk about what not to eat, we will now list the main foods that help control uric acid levels in the blood. The first recommendation that should be followed by everyone, not only when with excess uric acid, is to drink plenty of water . Adequate water consumption will make you urinate more and thus more easily eliminate excess uric acid from the body. In fact, not drinking water properly can be one of the causes of excess uric acid not being able to be eliminated.
There are some foods that, besides being rich in vitamins, act as eliminating toxins from the body. As is the case with the artichoke that has diuretic power and reduces fluid retention in the body, so it is a great item to include in the menu of those who are in treatment of excess uric acid.
The carrot also due to its alkalizing action helps to dissolve the crystals and release the purines housed in the joints, relieving local swelling. The good thing about carrots is that it can be eaten in its raw, cooked version, salty foods and even in juices.
Orange and lemon are also great options for fruits to eat. Orange, rich in vitamin C, reduces crystals and possible stones. The lemon indicated for detoxification of the organism is one of the foods that present better results for the picture of excess uric acid. Its acidity when it reaches the stomach becomes alkaline and helps to control blood acidity.
Garlic and onions so used in daily dishes, have purifying power of the body, helping to reduce hyperuricemia, in addition to helping to reduce cholesterol and blood pressure. Garlic can be used mashed in a glass of water and after 6 hours be ingested at least 3x a day.
Visit your doctor regularly and have routine checkups. Through common tests it is possible to check the levels of uric acid in the blood. The sooner you discover and treat it, the less discomfort you will have, as well as the severity caused by the excess of uric acid in your blood.
My name is Dr. Alexis Hart I am 38 years old, I am the mother of 3 beautiful children! Different ages, different phases 16 years, 12 years and 7 years. In love with motherhood since always, I found it difficult to make my dreams come true, and also some more after I was already a mother.
Since I imagined myself as a mother, in my thoughts everything seemed to be much easier and simpler than it really was, I expected to get pregnant as soon as I wished, but it wasn’t that simple. The first pregnancy was smooth, but my daughter’s birth was very troubled. Joana was born in 2002 with a weight of 2930kg and 45cm, from a very peaceful cesarean delivery but she had already been born with congenital pneumonia due to a broken bag not treated with antibiotics even before delivery.
