- How arises uric acid in the body?
- Too much uric acid can jointsbut also vessels and organs damage
- medication against gout
- Tips on how to deal with the proper nutrition can lower the uric acid in the body
uric acid is a breakdown product that our body produces every day. The uric acid concentration is measured in the blood serum and should not exceed certain reference values. In addition to urea and creatinine, uric acid belongs to the so-called urinary substancesthat have to be excreted in the urine. They are therefore used as markers for kidney health. In the case of increased values, various causes can be considered, which can result in inflammatory reactions, such as gout, but can also cause kidney and ureteral stones. In addition to genetic causes or other diseases, the food choices one of the main causes of too much uric acid in the body. Anyone who eliminates certain foods from their diet and eats a balanced diet can do their job Permanently lower uric acid levels.
How is uric acid formed in the body?
Uric acid is formed during the breakdown of purines. These are part of every cell and necessary for the genetic material and the construction of new cells. Above purine foods such as high-fat meat, certain types of fish or high-sugar fruit, we absorb additional purines, which the body also has to metabolize. The consumption of fructose (fructose) are increasingly becoming the focus of researchers. Because fructose is used in the food industry, for example in the form of corn starch added to many products, for example when sweetening soft drinks. But also at Breakdown of the body’s own cells accumulate purines. This is particularly the case with chemotherapy.
Also has uric acid positive effects and is important for protection against free radicals. She acts here as Antioxidant, protects against free radicals and works in this way tissue protecting. From the so-called hyperuricemia experts say when the uric acid concentration in the blood serum rises above 6.7 mg/dl in women and 7.4 mg/dl in men. There are two different forms:
- Primary hyperuricemia: This is one genetic disorder, which can affect both uric acid formation and uric acid excretion. Certain enzymes that are important for the uric acid metabolism only work to a limited extent.
- Secondary hyperuricemia: Come here various diseases or effects of medication under consideration. Blood formation disorders, blood cancer (leukaemia), kidney diseases, alcoholism or dehydrating medication (diuretics) can promote an increase in uric acid concentration.
Too much uric acid can damage joints, but also blood vessels and organs
Too much uric acid in the body does not always lead to symptoms. However, if the uric acid concentration continuous exceeds a certain limit, form uric acid crystals from which are found in body tissues deposit be able.
gout belongs to the most common inflammatory joint diseases in Germany. At a acute gout attack the body tries to break down the uric acid crystals in the joint via an inflammatory reaction. The typical symptoms of inflammation then appear, such as overheating, swelling, reddening and very severe pain. are common joints affectedthat are far from the center of the body and have less blood supply. Typically, the first acute attacks of gout appear in the metatarsophalangeal joint, followed by the knee, elbow, wrist and finger joints. Coolness promotes the precipitation of uric acid crystals, as does low tissue pH. So can too infections and physical exertion trigger a gout attack. Gout patients are typically male, overweight and suffer from high blood pressure, diabetes or kidney dysfunction.
Furthermore, there is much to suggest that too much uric acid also Cardiovascular system and vessels can damage. Long before the first gout attack, the crystallizing uric acid can also development of kidney stones encourage and impede drainage.
medication for gout
Due to the massive inflammatory processes in the body, doctors see the need to Permanently lower uric acid levels. According to the “S2 guideline for gouty arthritis” In the event of an acute gout attack, the inflammation and pain must first be treated. The drug of choice in an acute gout attack colchicine, a naturally occurring substance of the poisonous plant autumn crocus. Finding the dose is often difficult, however, since symptoms of poisoning can occur under certain circumstances.
After surviving a gout attack, with a long-term therapy be started to prevent a chronic course. However, drug treatment is also included side effects connected so that a detailed reconnaissance in a doctor-patient discussion significantly increases the success of the treatment.
Mostly so-called uricostatics to use, like allopurinol or febuxostat. These inhibit an enzyme that reduces the formation of uric acid. There are also medications available that increase uric acid excretion (uricosurics) like probenecid or Benzbromarone.
Tips on how to lower uric acid in the body with the right diet
The upper limit of 500 milligrams of purines should not be exceeded on a daily basis. In acute gout attacks, a limit of 300 milligrams is recommended. A good overview of the uric acid content is provided by food table on gichtinfo.de. So that the exposure to purines remains low, a diet change be very effective. You should note the following tips:
1. Watch out for vegetarian and alkaline-excessive food: The so-called DASH diet (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension), which is based on a typical Mediterranean diet, actually becomes patients with high blood pressure and high cholesterol recommended. One study was able to show, however, that a reduction in uric acid levels is also achieved. In general, the following foods should be on your menu:
- Vegetables, sour cherries, berries
- Low-fat dairy products, especially yoghurt, quark and hard cheese
- organic eggs
- cereal products or flakes
- Potatoes, egg noodles, rice
2. Avoid purine-rich foods: It is important that you not too many purines at once take to you For example, you should not combine high-fat meals with meat and alcohol. For example, it can be used as a guide that in 150 grams of meat or chicken contains about half the amount of purines you should be consuming on a daily basis – about 210 milligrams. But smaller portions of meat can also be prepared tasty, for example as sliced meat. At the same time it helps removal of the skin to save a lot of purines in fish, meat or chicken, just like the avoidance of high-fat sausage and offal. legumes and soy products However, contrary to earlier recommendations, they are in moderation (about 2x a week) harmless.
3. Skip fructose: The fructose contained in fruit is usually unproblematic if the whole fruit is eaten. sour cherries is even attributed a uric acid-lowering effect. But also berry fruits are low in sugar. However, you should avoid dried fruit and agave syrup and especially finished products such as soft drinks, where Fructose as a sweetener is added. When fructose is broken down, uric acid is formed.
4. Drink enough: Two to three liters of water, unsweetened herbal and fruit teas and coffee are recommended. This allows uric acid to be better excreted. than is critical alcohol to look at because it stimulates the formation of uric acid and at the same time inhibits excretion via the kidneys. Beer, that itself contains purines is considered the worst choice, even in the non-alcoholic version.
5. Maintain a healthy body weight: This helps to protect the joints and, in combination with a healthy diet, to reduce the uric acid concentration. However, you should radical fasting cures distance yourself This is because so-called ketone bodies are formed, which inhibit uric acid excretion. In addition, due to the rapid reduction in body mass, more purines are broken down and the uric acid concentration rises.
6. Dietary supplements after medical consultation: A large-scale study suggests that the daily intake of 500 to 1,500 mg of vitamin C effective protection against gout. Researchers suspect that this inhibits inflammatory processes and lowers the uric acid concentration. However, it is important to maintain a healthy lifestyle. You should also consult a doctor before taking high-dose dietary supplements.
Conclusion
A permanently elevated uric acid level has been shown to damage the jointsbut also the vessels and internal organs. One is particularly painful gout attack, in which the uric acid crystals are broken down by a strong inflammatory reaction. In order to keep the uric acid so low that it can be completely excreted with the urine, you should go to a vegetarian, low-fat and low-fructose diet respect, think highly of. The so-called DASH dietwho is aiming for a long-term dietary change. In addition, the high-dose intake of vitamin C to effectively reduce uric acid after medical consultation.