4 things that happen to the body when uric acid levels rise – important information!

What High Uric Acid Really Means—and Why It Matters

You might’ve heard the term hyperuricemia tossed around, but what does it actually mean? In simple terms, it’s when there’s too much uric acid in the blood, and while that might not sound urgent, the effects can quietly build into something far more painful.

What Causes Uric Acid to Rise?

Uric acid forms naturally when the body breaks down DNA and RNA. It’s also produced when purines, compounds found in certain foods (especially meats and seafood), are metabolized. The more purines you consume, the more uric acid your body generates.

Normally, your kidneys do the cleanup—filtering uric acid out of your blood and flushing it away. But when they fall behind or your body makes too much, that acid can build up and form crystals in your joints. That’s when the real trouble starts.

Common Triggers of High Uric Acid

Some causes come from within, others from what we consume. Here’s what to look out for:

• Your body overproduces uric acid

• Kidneys not filtering efficiently

• High-purine diet (think red meat, shellfish, and some veggies)

• Regular alcohol or caffeine intake

• Use of iodine-based contrast dyes in medical imaging

• Chronic stress

• Health conditions like diabetes, high cholesterol, obesity, or high blood pressure

• Family history of gout

How to Recognize the Symptoms

Often, high uric acid lurks silently. But when it shows up, it can hit hard—especially in the form of gout. You might experience:

• Swollen or tender joints, often in toes, heels, knees, or fingers

• Stiffness or difficulty moving joints

• In advanced cases, permanent joint changes

• Recurrent kidney stones, which can bring back pain or painful urination

What Helps Lower Uric Acid?

Bringing uric acid levels down typically involves a few key steps:

• Change your diet: Cut down on purine-rich foods and drink more low-mineral water—aim for at least 68 ounces (2 liters) a day

• Medications: Anti-inflammatory drugs can help during flare-ups, while longer-term meds like xanthine oxidase inhibitors reduce uric acid production

• Stay consistent: Preventive meds are often necessary even between symptoms to keep levels in check

Foods That Support Healthy Uric Acid Levels

Make room for these on your plate:

• Artichokes

• Onions

• Celery

• Pumpkin

• Carrots

• Citrus fruits

• Strawberries

• Eggs

• Plenty of low-mineral water

What to Limit or Avoid

These are best enjoyed sparingly—or not at all:

• Red meats

• Shellfish

• Anchovies, sardines, and other oily fish

• Spinach and asparagus

• Mushrooms and cauliflower

• Sugary sodas

• Alcohol

Simple Habits for Prevention

If you’re prone to gout or high uric acid, small changes go a long way:

• Stay hydrated—at least 68 ounces (2 liters) of water per day

• Limit red meat and seafood

• Drink herbal infusions like chamomile or horsetail a couple times a week

• Get a blood test at least once a year

• Don’t ignore symptoms—early action prevents long-term damage

There it is.