Managing High Uric Acid and Gout: Causes, Symptoms, and Solutions

High uric acid levels, also known as hyperuricemia, can be caused by various factors. Understanding these causes is crucial for managing and preventing conditions like gout.

- Dr. Venkatraman Hegde

Joint pain often prompts doctors to recommend a blood test for uric acid. Elevated levels of uric acid in the blood can lead to inflammation and pain in various joints, muscles, and surrounding areas. If uric acid levels are high, it is crucial to take steps to reduce them to prevent further complications.

• Why Uric Acid Increases

Uric acid levels in the blood depend on two main factors: the production of purine and the excretion of uric acid through the kidneys and liver. About 75% of people with high uric acid have genetic factors that reduce their body's ability to excrete uric acid efficiently. For the remaining 25%, high uric acid production is the primary issue.

• Causes

Here are the primary causes of high uric acid:

1. Genetic Factors: Inherited Traits: Genetic predisposition can lead to reduced efficiency in the kidneys' ability to excrete uric acid. This is seen in approximately 75% of people with hyperuricemia.

2. Dietary Factors

• High-Purine Foods: Consuming foods rich in purines can increase uric acid production. These include:

• Red meats (beef, lamb, pork)

• Organ meats (liver, kidney)

• Certain fish (anchovies, sardines, mackerel)

• Shellfish (shrimp, crab, lobster)

• Alcoholic beverages, especially beer and spirits

• Sugary Foods and Drinks: Highfructose corn syrup and sugary drinks can elevate uric acid levels.

3. Medical Conditions

• Kidney Disease: Impaired kidney function can lead to decreased excretion of uric acid.

• Metabolic Syndrome: Conditions such as obesity, hypertension, and insulin resistance are associated with higher uric acid levels.

• Hypothyroidism: Underactive thyroid function can reduce the body's ability to process and excrete uric acid.