Precautions to Lower Uric Acid
Uric acid is a normal component of the blood. It is created by the body naturally when certain foods and drugs are processed. The body generally self-regulates uric acid; the substance is created and moves through the blood stream, and any excess uric acid travels to the kidneys, where it leaves the body in the form of urine. However, elevated uric acid levels can occur as a result of consuming certain foods or drugs or as a result of certain diseases.
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Normal Uric Acid Levels
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The body normally has between 3.0 and 7.0 mg/dL of uric acid. This uric acid level can be determined by a simple blood test. Levels higher than these numbers are considered to be elevated levels of uric acid, and the patient is said to have a condition called hyperuricemia. Patients can take certain precautions to avoid hyperuricemia, but at times it can't be avoided and must be treated.
Avoid Foods High in Uric Acid
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Patients considered to have high uric acid levels can take precautions in their diet and avoid eating foods high in purines. When these purine-rich foods are broken down in the body, it raises uric acid levels. Foods that are high in purines include most meats (beef, pork and seafood especially, but ham and poultry also contain some purine content) and breads that contain yeast. Bacon is especially high in purines and should absolutely be avoided by those wanting to take precautions to lower uric acid.
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Avoid Drugs High in Uric Acid
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Certain medications should also be avoided by those who wish to take precautions to lower uric acid levels. These medications include certain diuretics (specifically thiazide and loop dieuretics), niacin and aspirin. Some chemotherapy medications can also raise uric acid levels but generally can't be avoided if patients are undergoing cancer treatment.
Treat Elevated Uric Acid Levels
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In certain cases, it is not possible to take precautions to lower uric acid levels. For example, patients can't avoid taking lifesaving medications in order to avoid raising uric acid levels. In these circumstances, drug therapy can be used to manage the elevated uric acid levels. Probenecid helps to rid the body of uric acid and reduces the rate of absorption of urates in the body. Allupurinol and Febuxostate hinder the body's production of uric acid. Natural remedies, like black cherry juice and celery seed extract, may also help to treat elevated uric acid levels.
Diseases and Uric Acid
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Certain diseases are also responsible for causing elevated uric acid levels. Kidney failure, alcoholism, diabetes, acidosis, leukemia and gout are all associated with elevated uric acid levels. While it is not necessarily possible to take precautions against developing these diseases, it is important to understand that a part of the treatment and management of these diseases may be taking precautions against or managing elevated uric acid levels.
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