Hyperuricemia occurs when the [blood contains an elevated level](https://bridgecanhealth.com/product-attribute/treats/high-blood-pressure/) of uric acid. High uric acid levels can result in various health issues, including gout and painful arthritis. Elevated uric acid levels are also linked to other medical concerns such as cardiovascular disease, kidney ailments, and diabetes.
Recent studies reveal that 43.3 million Americans are affected by hyperuricemia and gout, representing the highest prevalence since the spike in 1960.
While hyperuricemia isn’t a disease itself, extended high uric acid levels can lead to several serious health conditions.
## What Causes Hyperuricemia?
Uric acid is generated when your body metabolizes purines, which are prevalent in foods like red meat, organ meats, seafood, and beans.
Hyperuricemia can develop when your body produces an excessive amount of uric acid or fails to excrete enough. This condition frequently occurs when the kidneys aren’t removing uric acid efficiently.
Excess uric acid in the body crystallizes to form compounds, mainly around joints and kidneys. The immune system detects these crystals as foreign objects, prompting white blood cells to attack them, causing pain and inflammation.
### Understanding the Symptoms and Causes of Hyperuricemia
[Hyperuricemia symptoms](https://bridgecanhealth.com/bystolic-alternatives/) emerge when there’s a significant accumulation of uric acid in the blood. Symptoms typically include joint pain, swelling, and tenderness, often in areas such as the big toe, ankles, knees, and wrists. Individuals may also experience severe discomfort both during movement and at rest. This condition stems from the body’s overproduction of uric acid or the kidneys’ inability to filter it out efficiently, along with lifestyle factors like a diet rich in purines. Early identification of these symptoms and causes is critical for timely diagnosis and effective management of hyperuricemia to prevent complications like gout and kidney stones.
## How to Treat Hyperuricemia?
[Effective treatment for hyperuricemia](https://bridgecanhealth.com/product-attribute/treats/hyperuricemia/) hinges on identifying its cause. Asymptomatic hyperuricemia often doesn’t need specific treatment. However, when linked to conditions such as gout, kidney disease, or certain medications, addressing these root issues is crucial. Managing these underlying conditions helps reduce uric acid levels and prevent further complications. Treatment plans aim to alleviate symptoms and prevent recurrent elevated uric acid levels, enhancing overall health and quality of life.
### Gout
The following medications may be used to treat gout:
– Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
– Probenecid
– Allopurinol (Zyloprim) and febuxostat ([Uloric](https://bridgecanhealth.com/shop/uloric-80mg/))
– [Colchicine](https://bridgecanhealth.com/shop/colchicine-0-6mg/) (Colcrys)
### Kidney Stones
For kidney stones up to 5 millimeters in size, doctors might suggest increasing water intake and taking over-the-counter pain relievers until the stone passes. For stones larger than 5 millimeters, prescription medications like Tamsulosin (Flomax) might be required.
In more severe cases involving kidney stones surpassing 10 millimeters, a surgical procedure known as ureteroscopy may be necessary to remove them.
### **Dietary Changes**
Adhering to a hyperuricemia-friendly diet can help manage uric acid levels and prevent complications such as gout, kidney stones, and joint damage.
#### Foods to Avoid on a Hyperuricemia-Friendly Diet:
– Red meat
– High-glucose foods and beverages
– Organ meats (like liver)
– Seafood (anchovies, sardines, scallops, and mussels)
– Spinach, mushrooms, and peas
– Beans
– Oatmeal
– Alcoholic beverages
– Yeast supplements
Maintaining a healthy, balanced diet and lifestyle is crucial for managing uric acid levels in the blood. Adhering to prescribed medications is key to preventing the onset of more severe chronic illnesses.