Acid Levels

Uric acid is strongly associated with gout. This forms urate crystals and stones that accumulate on the spaces of joints. The friction effect from the rubbing motion against the tissues of the joint causes the gout attack; an arthritis like pain. In controlling the attacks of gout, uric acid must be firstly prioritized.

Uric acid is a form of waste product from the breakdown of purine. It is present in the blood normally at 6-7mg/dL. A marked increase at this value would indicate hyperuricemia. Hyperuricemia can lead to two complications: first is the development of gout and second is the formation of kidney stones. In either of the two, these complications must be avoided and this is through controlling the uric acid levels of the body.

Levels of uric acid in the body can be determined in two kinds of laboratory test: blood chemistry and urinalysis. Elevated amount on urine would indicate susceptibility in forming kidney stones while elevated counts on blood would indicate possible gout. In regards to proper diet and lifestyle, the following are the major causes of hyperuricemia:

Purine rich foods must be avoided especially if one has a family history of disturbance in purine-pyramidine metabolism. Examples of purine rich foods are meats like beef, poultry, pork, sea foods, cauliflower, asparagus, mushrooms, spinach, green peas, beans, and wheat. High amounts are relatively found in animal internal organs like kidney, brain and liver.

Softdrinks and sodas can also cause hyperuricemia blaming specifically on its fructose content.

Obesity, hypertension, alcohol intake and abnormal kidneys worsen gout.

Certain medications like diuretics which is used in the treatment of hypertension, edema and increased intracranial pressure often causes hyperuricemia. The reason for this is the body’s waste fluids are rapidly excreted up to the point that some waste products are left on the blood circulation.

Lastly, the strongest cause of hyperuricemia is the genetic predisposition. Gout as well as hyperuricemia is often inherited.

Proper diet and lifestyle is the key in the management of hyperuricemia. Low purine diet is encouraged and this includes taking up of lean meats, eggs and tofu in replacement of meats. Soft drink and soda beverages should be avoided. High fructose corn syrup should also be omitted; one may use other means of sweetener. Alcohol consumption should be in moderation if one cannot resist it especially during occasions. Forget all those organ meats and meat extracts; purine is highest in these kinds of foods. Also, always choose the right food and the right drink. In terms of what one should drink, water is not enough; it should be alkaline.

Alkaline water helps regulate the pH balance in the body. In instances that uric acid levels are high, the blood becomes acidic. In order to neutralize it, acidity needs to be combined with alkalinity and alkaline water would accomplish that task. The ions in the alkaline water are beneficial in circulating volume as it penetrates easily within the cells. With regular consumption, gout attacks would be prevented making alkaline water a beneficial answer to gout sufferers.

About the Author:

Ready to learn all about uric acid? Visit http://www.sayonaragout.net today for more information!

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - The Culprit of Gout: Uric Acid