Uric Acid
In brief
Section titled “In brief”- Uric acid is both protective and potentially harmful
- High uric acid does not automatically mean gout
- Fructose plays a major role in rising levels
- Adequate salt and hydration prevents crystal formation
- The key lies in balance: not too low, not too high
What is uric acid?
Section titled “What is uric acid?”Uric acid is produced during the breakdown of purines, building blocks of DNA and RNA. It circulates in the blood and is excreted via the kidneys.
Myths and facts
Section titled “Myths and facts”A high uric acid level does not automatically mean gout.
| Situation | Outcome |
|---|---|
| Normal values | Some people still get symptoms |
| High values | Others have no problems at all |
The chance of crystal formation depends on:
- Uric acid concentration
- Hydration
- Balance between sodium and potassium
The role of fructose
Section titled “The role of fructose”Fructose plays a major role in rising uric acid levels.
| Mechanism | Effect |
|---|---|
| In the liver | Fructose leads to accumulation of AMP |
| AMP conversion | Is converted to uric acid |
| Sources | Soft drinks, fruit juices, processed products |
Salt and hydration
Section titled “Salt and hydration”Adequate salt and fluid are important to prevent crystal formation.
| Problem | Consequence |
|---|---|
| Too little salt | Dehydration and concentrated urine |
| Concentrated urine | Increased risk of gout and kidney stones |
Uric acid: friend and foe
Section titled “Uric acid: friend and foe”| Role | Effect |
|---|---|
| Protective | Against oxidative stress, supports nervous system |
| Harmful | At too high level: inflammatory reactions, gout, kidney stones, vascular wall inflammation |
The key lies in balance: not too low, not too high.
What can you do yourself?
Section titled “What can you do yourself?”| No. | Advice |
|---|---|
| 1 | Drink plenty of water daily — preferably mineral water |
| 2 | Limit soft drinks, fruit juice, honey — and processed products |
| 3 | Supplement salt — with ketogenic or low-carb diet, if medically responsible |
| 4 | Balanced meals — with adequate fat alongside protein |
| 5 | Lemon juice — optionally daily 1/4-1/2 lemon in water to make urine less acidic |
Summary
Section titled “Summary”Veelgestelde vragen
What is uric acid?
Uric acid is produced during the breakdown of purines, building blocks of DNA and RNA. It is not just waste but also a powerful antioxidant that neutralizes free radicals. The body therefore recycles most of the produced uric acid.
Does high uric acid automatically mean gout?
No, a high uric acid level does not automatically mean gout. Some people with normal values still get symptoms, while others with high values have no problems at all. The chance of crystal formation depends on concentration, hydration, and the balance between sodium and potassium.
What role does fructose play in uric acid?
Fructose plays a major role in rising uric acid levels. In the liver, fructose leads to accumulation of AMP, which is converted to uric acid. Fructose is common in soft drinks, fruit juices, and processed products.
How can I keep uric acid in balance?
Drink plenty of water daily (mineral water), limit soft drinks and fruit juice, supplement salt with a ketogenic diet if medically responsible, ensure balanced meals with adequate fat alongside protein, and optionally add lemon juice to water.
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