What is Uric Acid: A Complex Primer

Uric acid is an organic compound produced by the body in the process of metabolizing purines – compounds found in certain foods. Knowing about uric acid and what it does is essential for understanding some of the more complex conditions and ailments related to this compound.Uric acid is primarily concentrated in the blood, but it’s also present within organs and tissues. The concentration of uric acid in your blood may determine if you have a health problem. Let’s take a look at what uric acid is and how it interacts with the body.

What Does Uric Acid Do?

Uric acid is created when purines are processed by the body. It’s then excreted through the urine, where it plays the role of “cleaning agent” in the body. It helps the body remove by-products and unwanted compounds from the digestion process and from tissue.

Uric acid also acts as a scavenger, helping to neutralize toxins, as well as to protect stems cells from damage. Many research studies also suggest that uric acid helps reduce neuro-degenerative diseases. While there’s still a lot of research to be done before anything can be confirmed, certain correlations between uric acid and the possibility of Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases have been noted.

What Happens When Uric Acid Levels Become Abnormal?

The most common problem related to uric acid is an increased concentration in the body. When levels become too high, the risk of various health problems, such as gout, increases. Gout is an inflammatory disorder of the joints that causes great pain and immobility in some cases.

High levels of uric acid in the blood can also lead to kidney and bladder stones for some individuals. Uric acid stones are among the most common types and are often caused by rapid changes in uric acid levels.

Living with Uric Acid

In order to prevent uric acid from causing health problems or from getting out of control, it’s important to take a balanced dietary approach and eat foods that are low in purines and contain moderate levels of vitamin C. A balanced exercise routine is also recommended to help maintain healthy uric acid levels.

Those with existing high levels of uric acid should consider a course of medication, as well as lifestyle and dietary changes. Consulting with a nutritionist, who can give you tailored diet advice and draw up an appropriate meal plan, can also help bring uric acid levels back to normal.

Uric acid is an important compound created by the body and plays an essential role in helping to keep our body clean from toxins and byproducts generated during digestion. Knowing how it affects our health and how we can keep levels normal is essential for promoting good health and avoiding the risks associated with abnormal uric acid levels.