High Uric Acid Causes, Symptoms & Ayurvedic Remedies

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High Uric Acid

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Introduction

Uric acid is a natural waste product that forms when the body breaks down purines found in certain foods and tissues, filtered out by the kidneys. Excess uric acid can accumulate in the blood leading to conditions like gout and kidney stones. Understanding the effects of high uric acid, recognizing symptoms of high uric acid in the body, and identifying what causes high uric acid levels in the body are essential for prevention and treatment. This blog explores the reason of uric acid increase in body, the effective home remedies for high uric acid, and the Ayurvedic treatment for high uric acid. Additionally, we discuss how to reduce uric acid in Ayurveda through dietary modifications, herbal remedies, and lifestyle changes to help maintain optimal health.

What Causes High Uric Acid?

Knowing the reason of uric acid increase in the body helps manage conditions and prevents complications. There are several causes of primary hyperuricemia.

Food intake such as red meat, organ meats, seafood (especially shellfish), alcoholic beverages especially beer which is rich in purine
Genetic history plays a massive role in the efficiency of uric acid processing in your body.
Obesity, untreated hypertension, diabetes, kidney disease, and metabolic syndrome could all contribute to an increase in uric acid levels in the body.
Some drugs like diuretics or low doses of aspirin and some medications introduced for treatment against cancers might also show adverse effects, leading to a rise in blood uric acid.
Fast cell death induced by cancer treatment or skin issues like psoriasis can quickly increase the production of purines.

What Are the Symptoms of High Uric Acid?

High uric acid levels are found in many individuals without any symptoms. On the contrary, if the acid levels become too elevated certain signs and symptoms manifest. Therefore, if the signs and symptoms of high uric acid in the body are recognized early, the condition can be successfully treated before causing secondary issues. The most common presentations are characterized by:

The sudden onset of excruciating pain usually in the big toe
Redness, swelling, and warmth of affected joints
Reduced range of motion in the joints
Exquisite tenderness, even to a light brush
High uric acid levels persist beyond acute attacks of gout and result in impaired movement and changes in the shape of joints after many years
Uric acid crystals can form in the kidneys, leading to –

Kidney stones
Pain in the back or sides
Blood in urine
Painful urination

Urates form hard deposits of uric acid crystals under the skin, as whitish to yellowish lumps of varying sizes and firmness, usually occurring around classic joints or on the ear’s outer rim.

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Diagnosis

Diagnosis of hyperuricemia involves several approaches:

Blood tests: uric acid in blood would be most truly defined

Normal range: Male 3.5-7.2 mg/dL, Female 2.6-6.0 mg/dL

If the levels exceed these ranges, it is termed hyperuricemia

Joint fluid examination: In suspected gout, fluid from affected joints is examined under the microscope for uric acid crystals
Imaging tests: X-ray, ultrasound, or CT scans may be employed to assess joint damage or search for kidney stones
History taking: Family history, dietary habits, medications, and known medical conditions will also be taken into consideration
Kidney function tests: To ascertain whether hyperuricemia affects kidney function

Detection allows for immediate treatment and prevention of complications.

Ayurveda Treatment for Uric Acid

High uric acid levels are observed in the disease “Vatarakta. An imbalance of Vata dosha and Rakta dhatu (blood tissue) leads to the deposition of uric acid crystals in the joints leading to gout such as pain and inflammation.

Ayurveda offers a comprehensive approach to managing high uric acid levels through Panchakarma, dietary changes, and lifestyle modifications. These modalities are dealt with in detail here.

Panchakarma Therapies

Snehana (Internal and external oleation) uses mechanisms such as improved organ system perfusion increased absorption of anti-inflammatory compounds, and transdermal absorption.
Swedana (Sudation therapy) enhances peripheral circulation and water-soluble component excretion via perspiration.
Virechana (Purgation) increases intestinal motility, and secretion, and modulates the gut microbiome and hepatic effects.
Vasti (Enema) involves alterations in gut flora composition, reflex effects on renal function, and enteric nervous system effects.
Raktamokshana (Bloodletting) involves the direct reduction of circulating inflammatory mediators and stimulation of hematopoietic response. It reduces impure blood from the system, thereby relieving pain and inflammation.
Lepa (Topical Application) might work through local anti-inflammatory effects from bioactive compounds, counterirritant properties, and reduced microcirculation inflammation near affected joints.

Home Remedies

Several effective home remedies can help manage uric acid levels –

Drinking adequate water daily helps dilute uric acid and promotes its excretion through urine
Indian gooseberry (Amla) is rich in vitamin C, which helps improve kidney function and reduces uric acid buildup. Drinking fresh amla juice with water daily can aid in uric acid excretion.
Lemons help alkalize the body and dissolve uric acid crystals. Drinking a glass of water with freshly squeezed lemon juice daily with a pinch of sugar can reduce uric acid levels.
Bitter gourd has detoxifying properties that help cleanse the blood and reduce uric acid levels. Drinking bitter gourd juice (10 to 15ml) daily can be beneficial.
Soak a handful of raisins in water overnight and drink the water in the morning. Raisins are alkaline and help balance uric acid levels in the blood.
Ash gourd is cooling and detoxifying, helping to flush out excess uric acid. Drinking fresh ash gourd juice daily can support uric acid management.
Ayurveda recommends drinking warm cow’s or buffalo’s milk with a teaspoon of ghee. This helps lubricate joints, reduce inflammation, and prevent uric acid crystallization.
Barley is a diuretic that aids in flushing out uric acid through urine. Preparing porridge and consuming it is beneficial.

NOTE: These natural remedies should be followed by Ayurveda intervention, and should not be consumed without medical supervision.

When to Seek the Doctors

Medical intervention should be considered in the following 5 scenarios –

Severe pain in joints associated with redness, swelling, and heat
The first time one is experiencing probable signs of gout or kidney stone
Fever with joint symptoms possibly implying infection needing immediate care
Pain and discomfort not relieving after 48 hours of home care
Presence of blood in urine, unbearable pain during urination, or decreased urine output
Any individual with possible uric acid concerns who has an underlying illness such as diabetes, heart problems, or kidney problems should consult with a doctor promptly.
Timely medical intervention can prevent complications and severe cases require targeted treatment.

Conclusion

It is crucial to diagnose and manage high uric acid levels in the body to prevent painful conditions such as gout or kidney stones. However, uric acid levels can be kept in check with the proper Ayurveda interventions, and changes in diet and lifestyle.

FAQs

What are the symptoms of high uric acid in the body?

Typical symptoms of high uric acid include sudden agonizing pain in the joints, notably the big toe, edema, redness, and greater soreness. Other effects of high uric acid include kidney stones, tophus (hard deposits under the skin), and chronic joint pain. It causes painful sudden episodes and damages joints if untreated over a long period.

How to reduce uric acid in Ayurveda?

Ayurvedic treatment for high uric acid includes therapies such as Vamana, Virechana, and Rakta Mokshana along with internal medicines, dietary and lifestyle changes for comprehensive management.

How do I know if I have uric acid?

Diagnosis requires blood tests to measure the serum uric acid levels as a normal range being 3.5-7.2 mg/dL for men and 2.6-6.0 mg/dL for women. In addition, joint fluid may be analyzed to identify uric acid crystals. In contrast, the symptoms of high uric acid in body include severe joint pains and redness, sometimes swelling, and the condition could lead to some kidney problems.

What causes high uric acid levels in the body?

It is generally caused by excessive consumption of purine foods (red meat, organ meats, certain seafood), genetic factors related to uric acid breakdown, underlying diseases such as obesity, and kidney disease, and other factors of ingestion of medication or segmented cells. There are various reasons for increased uric acid in the body.

What is the best home remedy for uric acid?

The most effective home remedy for high uric acid includes the consumption of amla, ash guard, and bitter guard juice, avoiding red meat, to spicy, salty, sour food.

REFERENCES

Poona Nath Chouhan, Sapna Thakur. Management of hyperuricemia by ayurveda approach w.s.r. to gout. Int J Health Sci Res. 2023; 13(6): 225-228.

Dr. Faeem Ahamad, Dr. Khushboo, Dr. Rajveer Gupta, Dr. Harprasad Ahirwar. A Review on Vatarakta with special reference to PathyaApathya in Vatarakta. J Ayurveda Integr Med Sci 2020;2:219-221.

Jain, R, Tiwari, A (2024). Ayurveda and High Uric Acid. Matrix Science Pharma.

Chouhan, P N, Thakur, S (2023). Management of Hyperuricemia by Ayurveda Approach w.s.r. to Gout. International Journal of Health Sciences and Research.

Taju, K G et al. (2024). Role of Diet and Lifestyle in Prevention of Recurrent Gout Attacks. JOURNAL OF HEALTHCARE SCIENCES.

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