In today’s fast-paced and stressful lifestyle, many health problems are becoming common, one of them is high uric acid. Imagine waking up in the middle of the night with such intense pain in your toe that even a bedsheet feels too heavy to handle. Uric acid is basically the waste product caused by the digestion of food that contains purines. Purines are naturally present in certain foods and are also produced and broken down within the body. Normally, your kidneys filter out uric acid and remove it through urine. However, if you eat too many purine-rich foods or your body can’t eliminate uric acid efficiently, it may start to build up in the bloodstream.
Early symptoms of High uric acid
High uric acid is seen in many young adults these days due to climatic changes, lifestyle changes and dietary issues. Mostly it happens when our body produces too much uric acid or pass it through urine. High uric acid symptoms are often not visible in one’s body until it leads to painful situations. The early detection of high uric acid can lead to the situation under control and medication accordingly.
‘Common Symptoms of High Uric Acid’
Sudden joint pain– A common early sign of high uric acid levels in the body is sudden, intense joint pain—most often in the big toe. This is a classic symptom of gout. The pain usually comes on quickly, often at night, and may be sharp and severe. It’s often accompanied by swelling, redness, and tenderness around the affected joint.
Redness in joints– This is an early symptom of inflammation that can occur before a full gout attack. The affected joint might feel stiff and may look r swollen because of the inflammation.
Frequent urination– An Increase in urination at night might be a sign of early uric acid. The urine is accompanied by cloudiness, blood, foul smell, or even if the colour is darker.
‘Foods to Avoid During High Uric Acid’
Fructose, a natural sugar found in fruits and honey, can raise uric acid levels when broken down by the body, as it releases purines in the process. Fructose from drinks is absorbed more quickly than from whole foods because beverages lack fiber, protein, and other essential nutrients. Alcohol also contributes to increased uric acid by speeding up the metabolism of nucleotides, which are another source of purines. To manage uric acid levels, it’s important to limit or avoid purine-rich foods such as red meat, organ meats, fish, shellfish, and poultry.
‘Precautionary Measures for High Uric Acid’
High uric acid levels can cause various health issues, and while lifestyle changes like diet and exercise may help, they cannot fully replace medical treatment. It’s important to take any prescribed medications exactly as your doctor recommends. A balanced approach that includes the right medicines, healthy eating, and regular physical activity can effectively manage uric acid levels and reduce symptoms. Although it might feel overwhelming to avoid many foods, creating a weekly meal plan can make it easier to stick to a healthy diet.
(This article is authored by Aastha Sharma, a digital journalist with three years of experience, currently reporting on lifestyle topics and trends with a focus on engaging and informative content.)
(This article is meant for informational purposes only and must not be considered a substitute for advice provided by qualified medical professionals.)
