Uric acid is a waste product that is produced when our body breaks down purines. Purines are found in many food sources such as red meat, seafood, and alcohol. Uric acid is usually filtered by the kidneys and excreted in the urine.

However, when there is an excess amount of uric acid in the body, it can lead to a condition called hyperuricemia. Hyperuricemia is a condition when the level of uric acid in the blood is higher than the normal range. This article will discuss the normal and abnormal levels of uric acid and the associated health risks.

What’s Normal?

The normal range of uric acid in the blood is between 3.4 and 7.2 mg/dL (milligrams per deciliter) for men and between 2.4 and 6.0 mg/dL for women.

However, it is important to note that the normal range can vary depending on the laboratory that conducts the test.

Additionally, it is important to understand that normal levels of uric acid do not necessarily indicate that a person does not have gout. Gout is a form of arthritis that is caused by the accumulation of uric acid crystals in the joints.

While hyperuricemia is a risk factor for gout, many people with gout have normal levels of uric acid.

What’s High?

Hyperuricemia is defined as a uric acid level greater than 7.2 mg/dL in men and greater than 6.0 mg/dL in women. Persistent hyperuricemia can lead to the formation of uric acid crystals, which can accumulate in the joints and cause gout.

Hyperuricemia is also associated with other health risks such as kidney disease, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease.

What’s Low?

While low levels of uric acid are rare, they can occur in individuals with certain health conditions. Low levels of uric acid have been associated with some autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis and Crohn’s disease.

Additionally, low levels of uric acid may increase the risk of Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease.

What Affects Uric Acid Levels?

Several factors can affect uric acid levels, including genetics, diet, medications, and health conditions. Some people have a genetic predisposition to produce or excrete more uric acid, which can increase their risk of hyperuricemia and gout.

Additionally, a diet high in purine-rich foods such as red meat, seafood, and alcohol can increase uric acid levels.

Certain medications can also affect uric acid levels. For example, diuretics, which are commonly used to treat hypertension, can increase uric acid levels. Conversely, some medications such as allopurinol can lower uric acid levels.

Finally, certain health conditions such as kidney disease and metabolic syndrome can affect uric acid levels. Individuals with these conditions may have impaired kidney function, which can lead to the accumulation of uric acid in the body.

How to Maintain Healthy Uric Acid Levels?

To maintain healthy uric acid levels, it is recommended to follow a balanced diet that is low in purine-rich foods such as red meat, seafood, and alcohol.

Instead, it is recommended to consume a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat dairy products.

Drinking plenty of water and other fluids can also help to flush out excess uric acid from the body. Aim to drink at least 8 glasses of water per day.

Regular exercise is also important in maintaining healthy uric acid levels. Exercise can help to reduce uric acid levels by promoting the excretion of uric acid through sweat and urine.

Conclusion

In conclusion, uric acid is a waste product that is produced when our body breaks down purines.

While normal levels of uric acid range between 3.4 and 7.2 mg/dL for men and between 2.4 and 6.0 mg/dL for women, hyperuricemia occurs when there is an excess amount of uric acid in the blood. Hyperuricemia is associated with health risks such as gout, kidney disease, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease.

To maintain healthy uric acid levels, it is recommended to follow a balanced diet that is low in purine-rich foods, drink plenty of water, exercise regularly, and manage any underlying health conditions.