Uric Acid and Kidney Health: How to Balance Risks of High Uric Acid Levels

What is uric acid?

Uric acid is a natural waste product produced when the body breaks down purines. Purines are substances normally produced in the body and are also found in many foods and drinks. While some uric acid in the blood is normal, allowing uric acid levels to increase too high can lead to various health issues. 

How uric acid can build up in the body

Regular consumption of high-purine foods like red meat, organ meat, beer, sardines, and sweetened beverages can cause uric acid buildup because the body either produces too much uric acid or is unable to effectively eliminate it. This process leads to the accumulation of excess uric acid in your bloodstream. The kidney filters the majority of uric acid in the blood, which then passes out as urine. However, when uric acid levels exceed 7 mg/dL in men or 6 mg/dL in women, a condition called hyperuricemia develops.

Causes of high uric acid

• Diet high in purines (e.g., red meat, organ meats, certain seafoods)

• Obesity

• Alcohol consumption, especially beer

• Sugary drinks and foods high in fructose

• Certain medications

• Genetic factors

• Kidney dysfunction

• Dehydration

Related medical conditions

Gout

Gout is the most well-known consequence of hyperuricemia. It occurs when uric acid crystals accumulate in joints, causing sudden, severe pain and inflammation. Gout attacks typically last a week or two and can vary in severity. Men are four times more likely to develop gout than women.

Cancer treatment

Some cancer treatments can lead to increased uric acid levels due to rapid cell breakdown. This condition, known as tumour lysis syndrome, can cause uric acid to build up faster than the kidneys can remove it.

Kidney disease

Kidney disease can impair the body's ability to excrete uric acid efficiently, leading to hyperuricaemia. Conversely, prolonged hyperuricaemia may contribute to kidney damage, creating a potentially harmful cycle.

Fanconi syndrome

Fanconi syndrome is a rare kidney disorder characterised by the impaired reabsorption of various substances, including uric acid. Fanconi syndrome can cause a lack of energy, dehydration, and problems with the bones. This condition can also lead to hypouricaemia (abnormally low uric acid levels) due to increased urinary excretion of uric acid.

If you suffer from any of the above conditions and suspect you may have high uric acid levels, please consult a specialist at Thomson Medical. Book an appointment with Thomson Medical today.

How are high uric acid levels (hyperuricemia) diagnosed?

Your doctor will diagnose you with hyperuricemia by doing a blood test to measure the uric acid in your blood. An alternative testing method would be directly testing your kidney stone if you recently passed one or had one surgically removed. However, some medicines, including aspirin and other medicines that contain salicylate and vitamin B-3 (niacin), may affect your test results.

Hyperuricemia can affect anyone, but people who suffer from male obesity, regularly drink alcohol, eat high-purine foods, have family members with a history of hyperuricemia or gout, and have hypothyroidism are more susceptible to developing the condition.

Symptoms of high and low levels of uric acid

High uric acid levels (hyperuricemia) may cause:

• Joint pain and swelling (gout)

• Kidney stones

• Fatigue

• High blood pressure

Untreated high uric acid levels can eventually cause permanent damage to your bones, joints, and ligaments. Moreover, high uric acid levels have also been linked to other health conditions such as heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, fatty liver disease, and metabolic syndromes.

Low uric acid levels (hypouricemia) may lead to:

• Increased risk of neurological disorders (e.g., Alzheimer's, Parkinson's)

• Kidney stones 

• Exercise-induced kidney injury

What are the best dietary changes to manage uric acid levels?

To manage uric acid levels effectively, consider the following dietary changes:

Increase low-purine foods

Focus on consuming:

• Low-fat and non-dairy fat products (yogurt, skim milk)

• Fresh fruits, especially cherries, blueberries, and strawberries

• Vegetables (except for spinach and asparagus, which are higher in purines but don't significantly impact gout risk)

• Whole grains

• Lean proteins in moderation (chicken, fish)

Hydration and beverages

• Drink plenty of water to help flush out uric acid

• Limit sugary drinks and alcohol

• Moderate coffee consumption may be beneficial

• Consider unsweetened herbal teas

Other dietary considerations

• Increase fiber intake through fruits, vegetables, and whole grains

• Consume vitamin C-rich foods or consider supplements (consult with a doctor first)

• Include low-fat dairy products, which may help lower uric acid levels

• Maintain a healthy weight through balanced nutrition and portion control

By following these dietary guidelines, you can help manage uric acid levels and reduce the risk of gout attacks. It's important to maintain balanced uric acid levels for overall health. If you experience symptoms or have concerns about your uric acid levels, consult your doctor for proper evaluation and management.

The information provided is intended for general guidance only and should not be considered medical advice. For personalised recommendations and tailored advice, please consult a specialist at Thomson Medical. Book an appointment with Thomson Medical today.

FAQ

Does having high uric acid levels mean I have gout?

Having hyperuricaemia doesn't mean you'll develop gout. To diagnose gout, your provider will take a sample of your joint fluid during an attack of gout symptoms to look for uric acid crystals. They might also use imaging tests on your joints, including CT (computed tomography) scans or X-rays.

Does undergoing a blood test to measure uric acid levels carry any risks?

Having a blood test with a needle carries some risks. These include bleeding, infection, bruising, and feeling lightheaded. When the needle pricks your arm or hand, you may feel a slight sting or pain. Afterwards, the site may feel a little sore.

Does high uric acid indicate cancer?

No, the uric acid blood test isn't a test for cancer. Studies have linked high levels of uric acid to an increased risk of some cancers and a decreased risk of other cancers. The relationship is complex because high uric acid levels can be linked to conditions that increase your cancer risk. such as metabolic syndrome. It can also be linked to lifestyle factors, such as consuming a lot of red meat and alcohol, which are linked to a higher cancer risk.

Does high uric acid mean bad kidneys?

High uric acid is particularly common in people with hypertension and metabolic syndrome, associated with its metabolic abnormalities (e.g., dyslipidaemia, insulin resistance).

How do you treat high uric acid?

Drugs such as allopurinol (Aloprim, Lopurin, Zyloprim) and febuxostat (Uloric) help limit the amount of uric acid your body makes. However, you should note that these drugs may have some side effects. Side effects of allopurinol include fever, rash, hepatitis and kidney problems. Febuxostat side effects include rash, nausea and reduced liver function.

What is the fastest way to flush uric acid?

Drink at least 8 glasses of plain water a day. The water helps flush uric acid from your system.

The information provided is intended for general guidance only and should not be considered medical advice. For personalised recommendations and tailored advice, please consult a specialist at Thomson Medical. Book an appointment with Thomson Medical today.