What Is Uric Acid?

Where uric acid comes from

Purines are part of every cell in your body. As old cells break down, their purines are turned into uric acid. Your body makes most of its uric acid this way. The rest comes from purines in food and drink, such as organ meats, some seafood and beer. Sugary drinks sweetened with fructose can also raise uric acid. Purines and food

How the body clears it

Uric acid travels through the blood to the kidneys. The kidneys filter it, keep some, and send the rest out in urine. About two thirds of the uric acid you clear each day leaves through the kidneys, and about one third through the gut. Uric acid and your kidneys

When levels run high

High uric acid in the blood is called hyperuricemia. It happens when the body makes too much uric acid, clears too little, or both. Many people with high levels feel nothing at all. In others, uric acid can form tiny crystals in and around joints. High uric acid is linked with gout, a type of arthritis, and with some kinds of kidney stones. Researchers have also found links between uric acid and blood pressure and metabolic health, though they are still studying what causes what.

Gout and kidney stones are medical conditions that a doctor diagnoses and treats.

What can affect your levels

• Food and drink: purine-rich meats and seafood, beer and spirits, and sugary drinks.
• Hydration: less water means more concentrated urine. Hydration and uric acid
• Body weight and activity.
• Some medications, such as certain diuretics.
• Kidney function and genetics. Some people simply clear uric acid more slowly.

How to know your level

A simple blood test measures uric acid. Your doctor can order it and tell you what your number means for you.

Everyday habits that help

• Drink water through the day.
• Go easy on organ meats, some shellfish, beer and sugary drinks.
• Fill your plate with vegetables, fruit and whole grains.
• Stay active and keep up with your checkups.

Lifetones Uric Acid Support is a plant-based supplement made to support healthy uric acid levels as part of a daily routine.*

Common questions

Is high uric acid the same as gout?

No. Many people with high uric acid never develop gout. Gout is a type of arthritis that a doctor diagnoses. High uric acid is one of the main risk factors for it.

Can diet alone control uric acid?

Diet helps, but the body makes most of its own uric acid. Hydration, weight, activity, kidney function and genetics all play a part. Your doctor can help you build a plan.

Does uric acid do anything useful?

Yes. Uric acid acts as an antioxidant in the blood. Problems tend to start when levels stay too high for too long.