Urate is a waste product in the body

The concentration of urate in the blood can increase with high alcohol consumption and overweight. High concentration of urate in the blood can cause gout.

Brief about urate

Urate (uric acid) is a waste product in the body that is removed through urine and feces.
A high concentration of urate can cause crystal formation in joints, which in turn can lead to gout.

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The concentration of urate in the blood can increase with high alcohol consumption and overweight. High concentration of urate in the blood can cause gout.

A high concentration of urate in the blood increases the risk of developing gout

Gout is a condition where urate crystals have formed in joints and sometimes in other tissues. The higher the concentration of urate, the easier it is for urate crystals to form. To diagnose gout, one also needs to consider the clinical picture; therefore, an elevated concentration of urate alone is not sufficient. Common symptoms of gout include redness, swelling, and pain in the affected joint. To diagnose gout, joint fluid can also be analyzed to see if it contains urate crystals.

You can reduce the risk of gout by exercising regularly, avoiding alcohol, and adopting dietary habits that lower blood urate concentration.

Purine-poor foods can keep uric acid levels lower.

Tips for good dietary habits to reduce the risk of gout:

Drink 1.5-2 liters of water/day
Eat plenty of vegetables, fruits, and berries
Consume low-fat dairy products

Foods to avoid (purine-rich foods)

Liver, blood sausage, and kidneys (offal)
Sardines, herring, mackerel, anchovies, and fish roe
Be cautious with juice and drinks sweetened with fructose as fructose increases uric acid formation

What does a high value mean?

A high urate value may be due to conditions such as gout, leukemia, and kidney insufficiency. Urate levels also increase with age. Other factors that can cause an increase in urate levels include low physical activity and unhealthy eating habits.