High Uric Acid: Causes, Symptoms & Gout-Friendly Diet
Uric acid is a chemical produced when the body breaks down purines, found in many foods. Excess uric acid—called hyperuricemia—can damage organs and joints, often leading to gout.
Causes of High Uric Acid
High uric acid may result from the body producing too much, not eliminating enough, or both. Common causes include:
- Diuretics, immunosuppressants, and chemotherapy
- Excess alcohol and sugary drinks (especially fructose)
- Kidney problems, obesity, high blood pressure
- Genetic factors, leukemia, metabolic syndrome
- Diets high in purines (liver, red meat, sardines, anchovies)
Symptoms of High Uric Acid
Gout symptoms include:
- Joint pain, swelling, redness, and warmth
Kidney stone symptoms caused by uric acid:
- Back pain, frequent or painful urination
- Cloudy or bloody urine, nausea, or vomiting
Low uric acid is rare, but may cause dehydration due to frequent urination.
Foods to Avoid
To manage gout, avoid:
- Red meats and organ meats (liver, kidneys)
- Seafood high in purines (tuna, sardines, shrimp)
- Beer and liquor (but moderate wine may be okay)
- Sugary drinks and refined carbs (soda, white bread, honey)
- Yeast extracts (e.g., Marmite)
Recommended Foods
- Low-fat dairy (milk, yogurt)
- Vegetables (asparagus, spinach, cauliflower are safe)
- Whole grains, legumes, tofu, olive oil
- Citrus fruits (vitamin C helps remove uric acid)
- Coffee and avocados (both may reduce inflammation)
Diet plays a key role in managing gout alongside medication and lifestyle changes.
