When you have sudden, sharp pain in your big toe or the joints which appeared to be made of broken glass inside your skin, very likely, you are dealing with high uric acid. This is referred to in the medical world as Hyperuricemia. Although it may cause some painful illnesses, such as gout or kidney stones, the positive aspect of the same is that with proper lifestyle adjustments and medical advice, you can cope with it over the long term.
In CritiCare Hospital in Lucknow, we encounter a lot of patients who have the problem of joint pains as they have poor diets and sedentary lifestyles. This guide will make you realise how to reduce the level of uric acid and maintain it at the right level.
What Exactly is Uric Acid?
Uric acid is a waste product that is present in your blood. It is synthesised as a result of the degradation of chemicals known as purines in the body. Purines are produced naturally in your body, and they are also known to be contained in some foods and beverages.
Uric acid is a component that is dissolved in most of the time in your blood, flows through your kidneys and gets out of your body in the form of urine. But when your organism generates excess uric acid, or your kidneys are not able to get rid of a sufficient amount of uric acid, the level becomes higher. This surplus is needle-like, and crystals accumulate in your joints, making them appear red, swollen and very painful.
Is Uric Acid a Permanently Cured Disease?
One must tell the truth: the fact that your body produces uric acid as well cannot be prevented, as it is a natural process of your body. Nevertheless, it can be permanently controlled so that it would never lead to pain or health issues in the future. With the help of regular modifications of your daily routine, you will be able to maintain your levels in the healthy range (mostly less than 6.0 mg/dL).
Uric acid is a product of purine breakdown; therefore, the best way to reduce it is to cease the introduction of so much purine into your body.
- Red meat, beef, mutton and organ meat (such as liver) contain very high amounts of purines, so either they should be avoided or consumed in limited amounts.
- Sugary drinks like high fructose corn syrup-containing drinks, such as sodas, packaged juices, etc., are significant triggers, so they should be avoided.
- Although fish is good, there are those kinds, such as sardines and mackerel, which spike uric acid. They should alos be avoided.
- Alcohol and beer are especially unhealthy in terms of uric acid since it retards the capacity of the kidneys to filter the waste.
Foods to Enjoy
- Fresh Vegetables: The majority of vegetables are not dangerous. Things that used to be believed to be bad (spinach or cauliflower) are now deemed to be okay in small amounts.
- Low-Fat Dairy: It is possible to lower the level of uric acid with milk, curd (dahi) and paneer.
- Complex Carbs: The whole grains, such as brown rice, oats, and dal (lentils), must be included in the daily diet.
Fluid Replenishment is Your Friend
The uric acid has the simplest medicine, which is water. Imagine that the kidneys are a filter. Failure to use enough water causes clogging of the filter with crystals. When you drink 10 to 12 glasses of water daily, you assist your kidneys in clearing the uric acid in your body before it can become a formation of crystals. In case you are residing in a hot city such as Lucknow, you might need to take more water to keep yourself hydrated in the summer season.
The strength of Vitamin C and Fibre
According to scientific research, Vitamin C may be used to aid the kidneys in passing more uric acid. Here, the citrus fruits such as lemons, oranges, and Indian gooseberry (Amla) will be of great help. An easy morning routine of having a glass of lemon water (nimbu paani) with no sugar in it is a fantastic routine.
Moreover, food rich in fibre, such as apples, pears, and oats, absorbs the uric acid in the blood, and the food makes the body excrete it more effectively.
Control Your Weight (Slowly)
The additional weight causes difficulties in the work of the kidneys and raises the level of uric acid production. Do not, however, go on a crash diet. Starving or extreme dieting can even lead to a sudden increase in the level of uric acid. A gradual reduction of 1-2kg/month by regular physical exercise and diet should be targeted. This will be the gradual change only through which the results can be made permanent.
Physical Exercise
Exercise assists in upkeep, enhances the flow of blood and maintains the flexibility of your joints. There is no need to be in a costly gym. A 30-minute fast stroll through a nearby park or even a few light yoga sessions at home will be a big change. Exercise also prevents the related conditions, such as high blood pressure and diabetes, which are usually accompanied by high uric acid.
Lifestyle is not enough!
In the case of others, there is the aspect of genetics. Their bodies may experience excessive production of uric acid irrespective of the foods consumed. In case you can still lose a lot of it despite the best you can do, the medication can be used to aid the body in dealing with it.
In CritiCare Hospital, our specialists will be able to conduct a simple test of the blood, monitor your levels and prescribe drugs that will prevent the production of uric acid or help the kidneys to eliminate it. The use of these medicines, according to the guidance of a physician, is a safe and efficient method of preventing irreversible harm to the joints.
Checklist of Long-Term Control
Water: should take 3 litres daily.
Reduce the Sugar: No sugars and sweeties.
Eat More Fibre: It is important to eat oats, fruits, and vegetables.
Increase Fibre and Water: Fibre and water, respectively.
Test Often: Have your levels of pain measured every 6 months in case of a history of pain.
Summary: To Be in Control of Your Health
Uric acid management is not a one-week detox, but a series of small and sustainable decisions that one has to make daily. The pain of the aching joints can be relieved by drinking more water, eating the proper foods, and being active.
In case of swelling, redness or chronic pain in the joints, do not disregard. Short-term damage to your joints and kidneys can be avoided through early intervention. We believe in CritiCare Hospital in Lucknow, and we are committed to giving you the correct direction towards health with the best advice and individual care.
