LOWERING URIC ACID LEVELS
79Gout by: NHSChoices
URIC ACID
Uric acid is created by the kidneys. Normal levels are 3.0 - 7.0 mg/dl. Levels can increase when foods containing 'purine' are metabolized. Purine is a part of our DNA and RNA, and is a crystalline base. When levels rise high (hyperuremia), uric acid crystalizes in the body system and settles in the joints (when severe it may settle in other parts of the body). This results in gout: pain and inflammation.
COMPLICATIONS OF GOUT
Some complications from gout are the following:
***Permanent Joint Damage/Deformities.
***Kidney Stones (The uric crystals increase/collect in the urinary tract causing kidney stones to form.
***Heart Disease: Although not clear (research is ongoing) to pin point the exact cause of high uric acid in relation to heart disease. Clinical studies are being done to find out if medications which lower uric acid levels also improve cardio-health.
***Lungs: In severe cases, crystals can accumulate in the lungs.
***Dry Eyes: Inadequate tear production.
***Cataracts: Clouding of the eye lens.
***Stenosis of the spine: This degeneration of the spine can cause weakness and numbness of the lower extremities as well as in the arms and hands.
***Incontinence: Severe spinal stenosis may affect the nerves of the bladder.
A BALANCED DIET
If you are a gout sufferer, it is important to speak with your doctor about being referred to a nutritionist to get a comprehensive idea of what is the proper diet for you to follow to keep gout in check and to reduce/prevent flare-ups. If you do not suffer with gout, it is important to be aware of the foods containing purine, so that you will not over-indulge and possibly become a candidate for gout and its symptoms. Vitamin C, cherry juice, organic and/or low fat milk, whole grain breads and sugar free juice drinks have been found to be beneficial to some who suffer with gout.,
MEDICATIONS FOR GOUT
***NSAIDS: (Aspirin is not usually recommended). NSAIDS reduce pain/inflammation as well as corticosteroids.
***Meds which help uric acid to be eliminated from the body, as well as reduce its production.
FOR MORE INFORMATION;
- What Is Gout Sickness? Causes of Gout Symptoms
Gout is a type of arthritis caused by uric acid buildup in the blood. Gout is sometimes referred to as metabolic arthritis, gouty arthritis, or urarthritis. Gout causes the uric acid to become crystallized... - What to Eat When You Have Gout
If you ask a doctor, they will tell you that the foods that you eat are very closely aligned to a gout attack. In fact, they are so closely aligned that it is suggested that you keep a log of all the foods...
CommentsLoading...
Its the first time I have read about URIC acid. Scary stuff. Glad you have raised the awareness.
Best Wishes. :)
Thanks Pamela99 and Lady_E for visiting and commenting. Have a great day!!
It's good to know about uric acid. The more we learn the more healthy we are. I drink lots of cranberry juice and water.
Thanks for the tips on lowering uric acid levels.
:) Katie
Very informative hub! I did not know about uric acid levels. So glad I came across this article. How wonderful of you to share with us! :-)
katiem2: You are one of the best at taking good care of yourself. Thanks for visiting and commenting. Good day!
vocalcoach: Thanks for visiting and commenting. The more we know, the better we can do for ourselves. Good day!
Voted Up and Useful. Thanks
Don Bobbitt: Glad you found this hub useful. Thanks for the vote up. Have a great day!
Pamela99 Level 7 Commenter 16 months ago
Support Med, It seems like I have been hearing more about gout recently. I remember having a couple of patients with gout and they were really in pain. This is a good informative article. Nicely done. Rated up.