Only older people get elevated uric acid

According to Times of India, elevated uric acid can occur in young people, especially those who are overweight, obese, sedentary, or have a diet high in red meat, organ meats, sugary drinks, and alcohol. Beyond lifestyle, genetic factors, kidney disease, hypertension, diabetes, or certain medications can also increase uric acid levels. Therefore, young people should not be complacent if they have risk factors or abnormal test results.

High uric acid means having gout

Gout occurs when urate crystals form and deposit in joints, causing an inflammatory reaction. Meanwhile, hyperuricemia (elevated blood uric acid) simply reflects a higher-than-normal concentration of uric acid in the blood; a person can have high levels without ever experiencing a gout attack. When gout is suspected, doctors consider symptoms and medical history, not just uric acid tests.

Simply avoiding seafood and red meat will normalize uric acid

Red meat and some seafood are high in purines, but these are not the only foods affecting uric acid. Organ meats, concentrated bone broth, beer, alcohol, and high-fructose drinks can also increase uric acid production or reduce kidney excretion. Even with a balanced diet, high uric acid can result from the body producing too many urates, poor kidney excretion, genetics, being overweight, underlying medical conditions, or certain medications. Individuals should adopt a balanced diet, limiting foods that increase uric acid rather than eliminating entire food groups.

Avoiding seafood alone does not guarantee lower uric acid; the level also depends on kidney excretion, genetics, weight, and other factors. Illustration: Bui Thuy.

Lowering uric acid by fasting

Some believe eating less lowers uric acid; however, prolonged fasting or rapid weight loss can increase tissue breakdown, thereby raising uric acid production. When the body is in a state of starvation, ketogenesis can hinder uric acid excretion by the kidneys. Healthy weight loss should be gradual, combining a healthy diet with regular exercise.

No joint pain means no need to treat high uric acid

Many people discover elevated uric acid but neglect monitoring because they experience no joint pain. However, persistently high uric acid can increase the risk of urate crystal formation in joints, kidney stones, or affect kidney function in some cases. Not all cases of elevated uric acid require medication; patients should have their risk assessed by a doctor, undergo regular monitoring, and adjust their lifestyle accordingly. Complacency can allow the condition to progress silently for many years, according to WebMD.

Drinking a lot of water will normalize uric acid

Drinking enough water helps the kidneys excrete uric acid effectively, reducing the risk of kidney stones. However, this is only one part of uric acid management. If the cause is the body producing too much uric acid or impaired excretion, simply drinking a lot of water will not be sufficient to bring levels back to the target range. Patients still need to combine diet, weight management, treatment of underlying conditions, and medication when prescribed.

By Le Nguyen (Compiled)