Uric Acid: What It Is and How to Keep Levels Healthy

If you’ve heard the term “uric acid” and felt a bit lost, you’re not alone. In plain words, uric acid is a waste product that forms when your body breaks down substances called purines. Purines are in many foods – think red meat, beans, and even some drinks – and they also come from normal cell turnover.

Usually, your kidneys filter out most of the uric acid and send it out with urine. When this process works well, you never notice a thing. Problems start when production spikes or elimination slows down, causing levels to climb.

Why high uric acid matters

When uric acid builds up, crystals can settle in joints and trigger gout – that sudden, painful swelling many people dread. The same crystals may also lodge in the kidneys, leading to stones that cause sharp back pain and blood in urine.

Beyond gout and stones, persistently high levels have been linked to higher risks of heart disease and kidney trouble. That’s why keeping an eye on uric acid matters for overall health, not just when you feel a flare‑up.

Easy ways to keep uric acid in check

Watch your diet. Cut back on high‑purine foods like organ meats, anchovies, and sugary drinks. Swap them for low‑purine options such as dairy, fruits, and whole grains. Staying hydrated with water helps kidneys flush out excess uric acid – aim for at least eight glasses a day.

Limit alcohol. Beer and spirits raise purine levels and hinder kidney function. If you do drink, keep it moderate and choose wine over beer when possible.

Maintain a healthy weight. Extra pounds can increase uric acid production. Even modest weight loss – 5‑10% of body weight – often drops levels noticeably.

Check medications. Some drugs, like diuretics and low‑dose aspirin, can raise uric acid. Talk to your doctor if you suspect a prescription is affecting your numbers.

If lifestyle tweaks aren’t enough, doctors may prescribe meds such as allopurinol or febuxostat that lower production, or probenecid that helps the kidneys excrete more uric acid. These are usually reserved for frequent gout attacks or kidney‑stone sufferers.

Testing is simple: a blood draw measures your current level, while a urine test can show how well you’re clearing it out. Your doctor will interpret results based on age, gender, and other health factors.

Bottom line? Uric acid isn’t something to panic over, but it’s worth watching. By eating smarter, staying hydrated, moving more, and chatting with your healthcare provider, you can keep those pesky crystals at bay and feel better day‑to‑day.