Malady Hyperuricemia

Malady  Hyperuricemia:

Uric acid is a heterocyclic compound of carbon, nitrogen, oxygen, and hydrogen with the formula C₅H₄N₄O₃. It forms ions and salts known as urates and acid urates, such as ammonium acid urate. Uric acid is a product of the metabolic breakdown of purine nucleotides, and it is a normal component of urine.

High Uric Acid Level:

High uric acid levels in the body can cause crystals of uric acid to form, leading to gout. Some food and drinks that are high in purines can increase the level of uric acid. Uric acid is a waste product found in the blood. It’s created when the body breaks down chemicals called purines. Most uric acid dissolves in the blood pass through the kidneys and leaves the body in urine.

 Food and drinks high in purines also increase the level of uric acid. These include:

• Red meat
• Seafood that is especially salmon, shrimp, lobster, and sardines
• Organ meats like liver
• Food and drinks with high fructose corn syrup
• Asparagus, spinach, beans, peas, lentils, oatmeal, cauliflower, and mushrooms

 Symptoms of Hyperuricemia:

• If your blood uric acid levels are significantly elevated and you are undergoing chemotherapy for leukemia or lymphoma, you may have symptoms of kidney problems or gouty arthritis from high uric acid levels in your blood.
• You may have a fever, chills, fatigue if you have certain forms of cancer, and your uric acid levels are elevated (caused by tumor lysis syndrome)
• You may notice an inflammation of a joint (called "gout") if the uric acid crystals deposit in one of your joints. (*Note- gout may occur with normal uric acid levels, too).
• You may have kidney problems (caused by the formation of kidney stones), or problems with urination

Foods that are low in purine include:

• Refined cereals - pieces of bread, pasta, flour, tapioca, cakes
• Milk and milk products, eggs
• Lettuce, tomatoes, green vegetables
• Cream soups without meat stock
• Water, fruit juice, carbonated drinks
• Peanut butter, fruits, and nuts
• Keep well hydrated, drinking 2 to 3 liters of water per day, unless you were told otherwise.
• Take all of your medications for hyperuricemia as directed
• Avoid caffeine and alcohol, as these can contribute to problems with uric acid and hyperuricemia.

Best Foods for a Gout Diet:

• Low-fat and nondairy fat products, such as yogurt and skim milk
• Fresh fruits and vegetables
• Nuts, peanut butter, and grains
• Fat and oil
• Potatoes, rice, bread, and pasta
• Eggs (in moderation)
• Meats like fish, chicken, and red meat are fine in moderation (around 4 to 6 ounces per day).
• Vegetables: You may see veggies like spinach and asparagus on the high-purine list, but studies show they don’t raise your risk of gout or gout attacks.