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.
This story is from the June 2024 edition of Health Vision.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the June 2024 edition of Health Vision.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Ptosis and Vision - How Droopy Eyelids Affect Eye Health
Ptosis, also known as droopy eyelid, is a condition characterized by the sagging of one or both upper eyelids. While it can occur at any age, ptosis often affects older adults due to the natural aging process.
A Day in the Life of a Happy Gut A Blueprint for Wellness
Your gut is more than just a digestion powerhouse—it’s the control center of your overall health.
Doctors warn diabetes patients about risk of smoking
People who smoke are also at much higher risk of developing diabetes compared to non-smokers
The Impact of Negative Energy on Creativity and Productivity
Negative energy refers to feelings, thoughts, or environmental factors that drain mental and emotional resources. It can originate from stress, toxic relationships, cluttered spaces, or even persistent selfdoubt. Often, it manifests subtly, leaving individuals feeling overwhelmed, unmotivated, or stuck.
Pathology - The Cornerstone of Modern Medicine and a Fascinating Field of Study
The importance of Pathology in diagnosing diseases, guiding medical care, and advancing medical knowledge cannot be overstated. For medical students contemplating their future, pathology offers a fascinating and essential field of study, one that is integral to the future of medicine.
Anxiety Disorder
Anxiety: Understanding and Treatment
Marital Enrichment & Pathway Towards Health
Marriage has been a great source of contentment and bliss. Such marriages have significant positive health implications. It becomes important for the spouses to be trained in techniques which can enrich their marital bond and thereby their health and well-being.
The Rise of Ayurvedic Pain Balms in India
The era of Ayurvedic pain balms in India has indeed begun, and it's gaining momentum. With the increasing awareness of the benefits of natural and holistic healing, Ayurvedic pain balms are becoming a popular choice for pain management.
The Role of Jaggery in Traditional Medicine and Healing
Jaggery, a traditional, unrefined sweetener made from sugarcane or palm sap, has been a part of human diets and healing practices for centuries. While it is often seen as a natural alternative to refined sugar, jaggery is also revered in various cultures, especially in Ayurvedic and traditional healing systems, for its therapeutic properties.
Gestational Diabetes
As per the latest news sources, about 15-20 percent of all pregnancies across India are affected by Gestational Diabetes. By adopting these precautionary measures, women with gestational diabetes can improve outcomes for both themselves and their babies.
