What Are the Causes of Uric Acid?

Uric acid is an oxidation product of purine metabolism, is usually converted to urea by our kidneys, and is finally secreted from the body in urine. A small amount is normally present ; however, the presence of high levels, or hyperuricemia, is very toxic to the system, and can lead to a variety of diseases.

Diet

• A diet rich in high-purine foods can lead to an excess production of uric acid, which may not be efficiently excreted from the body. Some foods with medium to high purine concentrations are pork, beef and poultry.; it is also found, at low levels, in some green vegetables, cheeses, legumes and shellfish.

Alcohol Consumption

• High consumption of beer and wine can cause an increase of uric acid production.

Genetics

• Some disorders resulting from high uric acid levels, such as gout and metabolic disorders, has been linked to genetic factors and family medical history of patients.

Pre-existing Health Conditions

• Pre-existing health conditions such as obesity, metabolism disorders and high blood pressure can result in either increase in production or decrease in secretion of uric acid from the body.

Medication

• Some chemotherapy treatments and excessive consumption of diuretics and acetominophen products can increase uric acid production in the body.

High Uric Acid Medical Conditions

• Medical conditions associated with high uric acid levels in the body are gout, kidney stones, diabetes, metabolic disorders, Lesch-Nyhan syndrome and some cardiovascular disorders.