Getting Your Uric Acid Levels Checked

 

The Importance of Getting Your Uric Acid Levels Checked


Changes in what we eat, how we eat, when we eat, and the access we have to a diversity of foods has occurred significantly faster than our human evolution. The evolution of our bodies to adapt to these changes takes thousands of years, but the changes in the types of foods we eat, when we eat, and the diversity of foods we consume have significantly changed in the last hundred years.

Our ancestors required certain adaptive mechanisms to survive in a world where it was either feast or famine. This caused certain genes or gene mutations to outperform and survive in Darwinian fashion. One of these genes was the mutation in the uricase gene. Uricase breaks down uric acid, which keeps uric acid levels low. High levels of uric acid cause increased blood sugar, increased body fat, and slowed down metabolism, which is enviable during a famine. Those with this mutation during a famine would survive because they would have the fuel to do so.

Today, many people have genes and genetic factors better suited for our ancestors than our present-day lifestyles. The mutation in the uricase gene to break down uric acid is one of these genes that is not aligned well with our modern-day diets.

Many of us think of high uric acid levels and their association with gout. Gout is an inflammatory condition that affects the joints, especially the big toes and feet, and causes severe pain and swelling in the joints. More recent research has linked higher uric acid levels to metabolic syndrome, high blood pressure, inflammation, insulin resistance, obesity, aging, lower nitric oxide levels, some types of kidney stones, and compromised circulation. In addition, there is some evidence that high uric acid levels can be associated with improper protein metabolism. If protein is not broken down and digested properly, this could lead to higher uric acid levels.

Uric acid is produced primarily by fructose, alcohol, and purines. Fructose is the sugar found in fruits. Many "healthy" people make smoothies daily or juice with a lot of fruit. They are effectively ingesting a sugar bomb, which can increase uric acid levels. I generally recommend having no more than two servings of fruit per day. Choosing fruits that are low on the glycemic index is a good idea. Berries are a great option and have a very high polyphenol count. Polyphenols are compounds that act as antioxidants in the body. A half cup of blueberries has 560 mg of polyphenols.

Like many,  I grew up drinking a big glass of orange juice every morning and stopped sometime in college. A 12-ounce glass of store-bought orange juice has about 35 grams of sugar. So I generally tell people to keep their daily sugar intake below 35 grams. Ideally, sugar intake is best at or below 25 grams.

Purines in meat, peas, fish, and beans are another contributing factor that can increase uric acid levels. Alcohol can contribute to high uric acid levels as well. Beer raises uric acid levels significantly more than hard alcohol. Wine is the best choice to keep your uric acid levels in check.  

Higher uric acid levels reduce nitric oxide levels. Nitric oxide, an important factor in blood vessel health and a key factor in healthy blood flow, has been linked to erectile dysfunction. Viagra and other ED drugs increase nitric oxide, and a recent study actually showed a decreased risk of Alzheimer's in patients taking ED medications, presumably because of the higher nitric oxide levels that are produced from the medicines.

In a Japanese study from 2016, Suzuki, K. Et. Al., Dementia and Geriatric Disorders, December 2016., elevated serum uric acid levels were found to be related to cognitive impairment in an elderly Japanese population. The findings conclude that higher uric acid levels are correlated with dementia.

Certain foods like onions, broccoli, celery, cherries, and tea can help lower uric acid levels. In addition, supplementation with quercetin, luteolin, DHA, bromelain, tulsi, grape seed extract, devils claw, vitamin c, potassium, and betaine HCL can also help to keep uric acid levels on the lower side.

During your annual blood work, make sure you ask to get your uric acid levels checked. The uric acid range should be between 3.2 to 5.5 mg/dl.

About the Author

Dr. Louis Granirer is a leading Holistic Chiropractor in New York. Learn more about natural remedies by visiting his website at https://www.holisticchiropraticcenter.com



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