Uric acid is a natural waste product formed when the body breaks down substances called purines. Purines are found in our own cells and in many foods. Normally, uric acid dissolves in the blood, passes through the kidneys and leaves the body in urine. When the body makes too much or the kidneys remove too little, levels rise. This is called hyperuricaemia.
What is a normal uric acid level?
Ranges vary slightly between labs, but commonly used reference values are:
- Men: about 3.4 to 7.0 mg/dL
- Women: about 2.4 to 6.0 mg/dL
Above roughly 6.8 mg/dL, uric acid can start forming crystals, especially in the joints. Many people with high levels never get symptoms, so treatment decisions depend on the full picture, not on one number.
Why does high uric acid matter?
- Gout: sharp needle-like crystals settle in a joint and cause sudden, severe pain, swelling and redness. The big toe is the classic spot, but ankles, knees and fingers can be affected too.
- Kidney stones: uric acid can form stones that cause intense back or side pain.
- Link with other conditions: high uric acid often appears alongside obesity, high blood pressure, diabetes and kidney disease.
Common causes
- A diet rich in red meat, organ meat and certain seafood
- Alcohol, especially beer
- Sugary drinks and packaged juices sweetened with fructose
- Being overweight
- Reduced kidney function
- Some medicines, such as certain diuretics (water pills)
- Dehydration
- Family history
Foods and drinks to limit
- Organ meats such as liver, kidney and brain
- Red meat such as mutton, beef and pork
- Some seafood such as sardines, anchovies, mussels, shrimp and crab
- Beer and spirits
- Soft drinks, energy drinks and sweetened juices
- Very rich, fried and heavy meals eaten often
Older advice told people to avoid all dal, spinach and mushrooms. Research now suggests that plant sources of purines are much less of a problem than meat, seafood and alcohol, so most people do not need to cut them out completely.
Habits that help
- Drink plenty of water through the day so your kidneys can flush uric acid out.
- Choose low-fat milk and curd, which may help lower uric acid.
- Eat more vegetables, fruits and whole grains. Cherries and vitamin C rich fruits are often recommended.
- Lose weight gradually if you are overweight. Crash diets and long fasting can temporarily raise uric acid.
- Stay active with regular walking or other moderate exercise.
When to see a doctor
- A sudden, very painful, hot and swollen joint
- Repeated joint pain attacks
- Severe pain in the side or back, or blood in the urine
- A uric acid report that stays high on repeat tests, especially with diabetes, blood pressure or kidney problems
If gout attacks keep returning, your doctor may prescribe medicines that lower uric acid over the long term. Do not start or stop these on your own.
Disclaimer: This article is for general information only and is not medical advice. Please consult a qualified doctor for advice about your own health.
