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Hyperuricemia is a condition in which the level of uric acid in the blood is high. If this condition is, not treated, the excess uric acid in the blood can result in the formation of crystals in the body. These crystals usually form in the joints and kidneys. They may be attacked by the white blood cells in the body, causing inflammation and pain. However, it should be noted that one third of people with hyperuricemia are asymptomatic, meaning that they do not show any symptoms. Despite this, hyperuricemia is a serious medical condition and a number of diseases can arise from it.
Medications that increase risk of hyperuricemia
There are a number of medications that can increase the risk of hyperuricemia. These include diuretics, salicylates, and angiotensin II receptor blockers. Other medications that can increase urate include insulin, low-dose aspirin, and cyclosporin.
If your uric acid level is too high, you may develop a painful disease called gout. High uric acid levels can also contribute to diabetes and heart disease. A recent study shows that as many as 43.3 million Americans have hyperuricemia. A majority of these people don’t experience any symptoms, but elevated uric acid levels can lead to various diseases.
Hyperuricemia can cause by a number of factors, including medications and lifestyle. Although a few medications can increase uric acid levels, others lower them. Considering the high prevalence of hyperuricemia, hypertension treatment that decreases uric acid levels has the potential to prevent the development of hypertension.
Some of the medications that increase the risk of hyperuricemia include cyclosporine, pyrazinamide, and loop diuretics. Those with kidney stones should be particularly cautious. While medications aren’t the only way to prevent hyperuricemia, changing your lifestyle and diet can significantly lower the risk of hyperuricemia.
Acute and chronic hyperuricemia may lead to the development of kidney stones. Although these stones are, usually made of uric acid, they may contain other materials. In addition, patients with chronic hyperuricemia can develop chronic kidney disease, which can result in kidney failure. Because chronic high uric acid levels can damage the kidneys, patients with gout should receive urate-lowering medications.
Treatment for hyperuricemia depends on the cause and the severity of the disease. If the condition is asymptomatic, uric acid-lowering medications are not necessary. But if it is, caused by kidney disease, patients should begin using urate-lowering drugs as soon as they experience the first gout attack.
Purine-rich foods that reduce uric acid levels
Hyperuricemia is a condition that affects the levels of uric acid in the blood. This condition is not necessarily dangerous, but can cause a person to experience pain and swelling in the joints. Fortunately, there are foods that contain purines that can lower uric acid levels.
Drinking alcohol may lead to higher uric acid levels in the blood. Alcohol increases the metabolism of nucleotides, a source of purines. The kidneys process these into uric acid, so alcohol intake may increase uric acid levels. Alcohol can also make the kidneys work harder to remove uric acid.
People with hyperuricemia should limit their intake of foods that contain purines. This diet can help them manage their condition and prevent gout. While a low-purine diet can’t cure gout, it can minimize the need for medications. However, this is a long-term lifestyle change that requires a commitment. You may also find it difficult to give up your favorite foods and indulgences completely.
Research has shown that a higher intake of animal-derived food and legumes is, associated with a higher risk of hyperuricemia. These associations are independent of age, region, BMI, and alcohol intake. Thus, controlling the amount of animal-derived foods and legumes in the diet may be an effective strategy to treat hyperuricemia.
Among the best foods that help lower uric acid levels in hyperuriceria are cucumbers, tomatoes, broccoli, and broccoli. Fresh tomatoes are especially helpful because they are alkaline-rich foods. By increasing blood alkalinity, they help lower uric acid levels. Another effective way to reduce uric acid levels is to limit the intake of sugar-rich foods.
The consumption of folic acid-rich foods such as lentils, soybeans, and pinto beans can also lower uric acid levels. In addition, vitamin C helps break down uric acid and force it out of the body. Vitamin C-rich foods include awla, guava, kiwi, oranges, and green leafy vegetables.
While fruits and vegetables are rich in purine, they don’t raise the risk of gout. Drinking plenty of water can also help lower uric acid levels. Moreover, vitamin C helps the kidneys break down uric acid. But it’s important to note that high-fructose fruit juices and orange juice may raise uric acid levels. Caffeinated coffee, on the other hand, can cut uric acid levels.
Meats and organ meats contain high levels of purines, which can increase uric acid levels in the blood. Limiting the intake of meat and organ meats can help reduce hyperuricemia symptoms. Fish and seafood can also contain purines. But moderation in fish and other seafood can help gout sufferers reduce uric acid levels.
Purine-rich foods that reduce uriC acid levels in hyperuricemia are also good for general health. A diet low in sugar and alcohol and an emphasis on plants and alternative sources of protein can help you maintain a healthy lifestyle. However, it should not deprive you of vital nutrients.
Treatments for hyperuricemia
The treatment of hyperuricemia involves lowering the blood levels of uric acid. The lower the levels, the less crystallization will occur. However, if the crystals have already formed in the joints and tissues, more aggressive treatment is, needed. Several medications are available for hyperuricemia.
Although current treatments for hyperuricemia mainly involve the use of medications that lower serum levels, there are other approaches available. One method involves the targeted deletion of a gene that produces the protein uricase. Eventually, the patient will experience renal failure and a higher uric acid level.
The treatment of hyperuricemia must take into account the various complications associated with the condition. If the patient is suffering from complications like chronic kidney disease, urolithiasis, diabetes mellitus, or metabolic syndrome, urate-lowering therapy is recommended. If the patient is asymptomatic, however, the treatment of hyperuricemia is not necessary. Patients should be monitored for comorbid conditions and seek medical attention if symptoms occur.
Hyperuricemia is, associated with cardiovascular disease and oxidative stress. The oxidative stress caused by uric acid is a known contributor to systemic hypertension, atrial fibrillation, pulmonary hypertension, and cardiomyopathy. Although it is not as common as other conditions, it can be harmful to the patient’s overall health.
