What is uric acid and how does it work?
Uric acid is a by-product of the body's process of breaking down protein. It accumulates in the blood and can lead to gout. Uric acid monitors work by measuring the uric acid in a person's blood and sending an alert if the level rises too high.
What are the benefits of having low levels of uric acid?
The benefits of having low levels of uric acid include prevention of gout, reduced risk for kidney stones, and prevention of some types of cancer. Uric acid is a by-product of the breakdown of purine molecules in the body. Elevated levels of uric acid are associated with an increased risk for gout, a condition that results from the accumulation of uric acid in the joints. Levels of uric acid below 6mg/dL are generally considered to be safe and are associated with a lower risk for gout flares. Levels below 3mg/dL are also associated with a lower risk for kidney stones. Higher levels of uric acid have been linked with an increased risk for some types of cancer, but the link is not clear.
How can you lower your uric acid levels?
There are a few ways to lower uric acid levels. Some foods may help, while other treatments may be more permanent.
Foods that are low in purines can help lower uric acid levels. These include meats, fish, and some vegetables. Certain medications can also help to lower uric acid levels. The most common of these medications is gout medication. Other treatments that may be used include diet modification, lifestyle changes, and surgery.
Lowering uric acid levels with lifestyle changes may be the most effective way to go. This includes eating a low-purine diet and avoiding alcohol and smoking. Lifestyle changes may also include exercise, getting enough rest, and managing stress well.
Permanent treatments for lowering uric acid levels may include bariatric surgery or kidney transplantation. Bariatric surgery can often reduce the amount of weight that a person has to lose, which can lead to a decrease in the amount of uric acid that is produced. Kidney transplantation can also lead to a decrease in the amount of uric acid that is produced, but it may not be permanent.
What are the risks associated with having high levels of uric acid?
High levels of uric acid can be a sign of a disease like gout, which is a type of arthritis. It can also lead to kidney stones and other health problems. Uric acid is made when the body breaks down purines, which are found in food and some medicines.
There are several ways to measure uric acid levels in people. One common way is to check the level of uric acid in a person's urine. Another way is to measure the level of uric acid in a person's blood. A third way is to measure the level of uric acid in a person's plasma.
One main risk associated with high levels of uric acid is that it can lead to gout. Gout is a condition where the body produces too much uric acid. Gout occurs most often in men over age 60 and women over age 50. It mostly affects the big toe, but it can also affect other parts of the foot, ankle, knee, and hand.
Gout usually starts with pain and swelling in one or more joints. The joint may become so swollen that it's difficult to move it. The pain may worsen throughout the day and night, and there may be other pain associated with it.
Summary
Uric acid monitors work by detecting the amount of uric acid in the blood and sending a signal to the user's device. The monitor then displays the results, which can help people to track their uric acid levels and to make decisions about how to manage their condition.
