Uric acid is a natural waste product that occurs when the body breaks down a natural compound called purines, which is found in some of the foods we eat and in the cells of our body. Normally, it dissolves in the blood and is filtered by the kidneys and excreted through the urine. However, when its level in the blood rises above the limit, they turn into sharp crystals and accumulate in the joints, causing severe pain and gout. Here are the 5 main scientific reasons behind the increase in uric acid:
Decreased Kidney Excretion: The most important scientific reason for the increase in uric acid in the body is that the kidneys are unable to properly excrete it. In people with kidney diseases or due to old age, the kidneys are unable to completely filter the uric acid produced by the liver and excrete it through the urine. This can rapidly increase the level of uric acid in the blood.
High-Purine Diet: Some of the foods we eat contain large amounts of purines. Regular consumption of red meat (beef, mutton), liver and other internal organs (organ meats), and some marine fish such as shrimp, squid, crab, and sardines (sala) can cause a large amount of uric acid to be produced in the body.
Fructose and Sweeteners (High Fructose Intake): Many people do not know that sugar and artificial sweeteners increase uric acid. When high fructose corn syrup (HFCS) found in soft drinks, packet juices, and bakery products available in the market enters the body, it rapidly breaks down ATP molecules in the cells and increases purine production, thereby increasing uric acid levels.
Excessive Alcohol Consumption: Alcohol is another major cause of increased uric acid. Beer, in particular, contains a large amount of purine. In addition, the lactic acid produced when alcohol enters the body interferes with the kidneys’ ability to excrete uric acid. This can cause uric acid to build up in the body.
Obesity & Medications: Excessive weight gain can increase the rate of cell breakdown, which can lead to more uric acid being produced. In addition, uric acid is also likely to increase in people who take certain types of diuretics and aspirin for high blood pressure for a long time.
