Uric acid is the product of the body’s metabolism of purines and is normally excreted by the kidneys. However, when too much uric acid is produced or poorly excreted, it leads to elevated levels of uric acid in the blood, resulting in hyperuricemia.
Hyperuricemia not only triggers gout, but also increases the risk of cardiovascular disease and kidney disease. So, what are the ways to check your blood uric acid levels other than regularly?
3 Abnormalities at bedtime, your uric acid levels may be high
1.Swollen body
If you find your body swollen before going to bed, such as swollen eyes, swollen feet, swollen fingers, etc., then you must pay attention to it, it may be a sign of high uric acid.
Because high uric acid will affect the normal work of the kidneys, so the kidneys can not effectively eliminate excess water and waste, which leads to water retention in the body, forming edema. In addition, high uric acid will also cause irreversible damage to the kidneys, further aggravating the degree of edema.
2.Joint Pain
If you feel joint pain before going to bed, such as redness, warmth, hardness and pain in your fingers, knees and toes, then you must be vigilant, it may be a gout attack caused by high uric acid.
This is because when the level of uric acid in the blood is too high, uric acid will be deposited in the form of crystals in the joints, which will irritate and damage the joint tissues, causing severe pain and inflammatory reaction. And at night, due to the drop in temperature, reduced activity, insufficient water intake and other factors, it is more likely to promote the deposition of uric acid crystals in the joints.
3.Abnormal urination
If you notice that your urine is dark in color, foamy, small in volume, or cannot be passed before going to bed, then you need to be careful, it may be kidney dysfunction caused by high uric acid.
Because when there is too much uric acid, it will form stones or deposits in the kidneys, block the renal tubules and affect the excretory function of the kidneys, leading to changes in the color, quantity and quality of urine. High levels of uric acid also damage the structure and function of the kidneys, leading to serious consequences such as kidney failure.
To lower uric acid to prevent gout, these 6 things are recommended
1.Reasonable diet
High purine, high fructose food will increase the production of uric acid in the body, so in the daily diet, try to avoid or eat less of such food.
To eat more fresh fruits and vegetables, increase the intake of vitamins and fiber, conducive to the excretion of uric acid.
2.Adequate drinking water
Drinking plenty of plain water every day can dilute uric acid in the blood and promote its excretion by the kidneys.
It is recommended that patients with hyperuricemia drink at least 2,000 milliliters of water every day, and can drink some green tea, soy milk and other beverages that are conducive to lowering uric acid. Especially in the acute stage of gout, drinking more water can effectively relieve joint pain.
3.Avoid staying up late
Studies have shown that staying up late can lead to elevated levels of uric acid in the blood, which increases the risk of hyperuricemia and gout. Maintaining a regular routine and getting enough sleep can reduce this risk.
It’s recommended to get 6 to 8 hours of sleep a night, and middle-aged and older people should go to bed before 10 p.m.
4.Weight Control
Obesity not only increases the production of uric acid in the blood, but also affects the excretory function of the kidneys, resulting in higher levels of uric acid in the blood. Therefore, maintaining a reasonable weight and body shape can help reduce the level of uric acid in the blood.
5.Taking medication
If lifestyle changes are not effective in lowering blood uric acid levels, you may need to take uric acid-lowering medications under the guidance of your doctor.
6.Stay away from irritants
Cold stimulation, overwork, overeating, etc. affect the body’s neural regulation and metabolic balance, resulting in higher or lower levels of uric acid in the blood.