What Causes High Uric Acid And What Happens To Your Body if Uric Acid Is High?

Excess uric acid production or ineffective excretion of uric acid by the body are common causes of elevated uric acid levels. A diet high in foods high in purines, binge drinking, being obese, and certain medical disorders, including kidney issues, can all contribute to this. Gout is a disorder caused by an accumulation of uric acid in the bloodstream, which can crystallize and lodge in joints.

These crystals usually affect the big toe joints, but they can also affect other joints. They produce severe pain, swelling, and inflammation. High uric acid levels can be avoided and managed by eating a balanced diet, drinking plenty of water, and taking care of any underlying medical conditions.

A diet high in foods high in purines, binge drinking, being obese, and certain medical disorders, including kidney issues, can all contribute to this. (Image Credit: Canva)

Dr. Ritesh Yadav, who is a consultant in internal medicine at Paras Health, exclusively told Jagran English about what causes high uric acid and what happens to your body if uric acid is high.

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Dr. Ritesh said, "Uric acid is a waste product that the body eliminates when you digest foods that contain purines. Although the body naturally forms and breaks down purines, excessive purine consumption can hinder the elimination of uric acid, leading to health issues. Increased uric acid levels mainly affect the bloodstream, causing a condition known as hyperuricemia. The normal uric level ranges for males and females are 3.4–7.0 mg/dL and 2.4–6.0 mg/dL, respectively. The problem occurs when uric acid levels are above 7 mg/DL. High uric acid levels in the blood can be attributed to various factors."

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At last, he said, "Consumption of food items that are high in purines can lead to high uric acid levels in the body. Certain food and beverage options that are rich in purines include red meat, organ meats from animals, alcoholic beverages, seafood, foods containing high levels of fructose, specific non-alcoholic beers, and a range of vegetables and grains such as asparagus, spinach, beans, peas, lentils, oatmeal, cauliflower, and mushrooms. Furthermore, several medical disorders and lifestyle choices, such as genetic predisposition, obesity, diabetes, chronic kidney disease, chemotherapy, some types of cancer, high stress levels, and psoriasis, can cause uric acid to build up in the body. High uric acid leads to various health complications like gout, aching joints, kidney stones, trouble urinating, and a higher chance of building up toxins in the body and bloodstream."