Uric acid accumulation in the kidneys can lead to kidney disease and trigger the formation of kidney stones.
Gout, also known as uric acid attacks, usually occurs in joint areas such as the big toe, knees, and fingers.
However, not only in the joints, uric acid crystals can also accumulate in the kidneys, causing problems in this bean-shaped organ.
This article will discuss the dangers of uric acid in the kidneys that should not be underestimated.
The Dangers of Uric Acid in the Kidneys
As reported by YankesKemkes, the accumulation of uric acid in the kidneys can disrupt the overall kidney function.
For information, the kidneys play a crucial role in excreting metabolic waste products, including uric acid.
If someone has high levels of uric acid, it means their kidneys need to work extra hard to process the excess uric acid.
If the kidneys continue to work under constant pressure, over time, the organ's function will decline.
This leads to kidney disease and triggers the formation of kidney stones. Here's an explanation.
Kidney Disease
According to the Arthritis Foundation, individuals with high uric acid levels have a 78 percent higher risk of developing kidney disease compared to those who can control their uric acid levels.
Kidney disease caused by the accumulation of uric acid is often not recognized early because the initial symptoms are similar to common medical issues, such as chronic fatigue and lack of energy.
Many people only visit the hospital and become aware of their condition when kidney disease worsens, marked by conditions such as:
- Swelling in the ankles
- Nausea
- Loss of appetite
Kidney disease requires immediate medical treatment or care because if left untreated, it can progress to kidney failure.
Kidney Stones
Kidney stones, or nephrolithiasis, are stones inside the kidneys that occur due to the deposition of various compounds, including uric acid crystals.
Symptoms of kidney stones that need to be wary of include:
- Severe pain in the lower back, lower abdomen, groin, or below the ribs
- Pain while urinating
- Presence of blood in the urine
- Unpleasant or strong-smelling urine
- Cloudy urine
- Fever and chills
Kidney stones can cause blockages that disrupt kidney function and can develop into acute kidney disorders.
Preventing Uric Acid in the Kidneys
Gout in the joints and kidneys both occur due to high uric acid levels.
Spikes in uric acid levels are triggered by consuming high-purine foods and an unhealthy lifestyle.
Therefore, to prevent uric acid in the kidneys or other parts of the body, individuals need to adopt a healthy lifestyle that includes:
- Limiting or avoiding high-purine foods such as liver, brain, or animal offal, red meat, anchovies, shellfish, crabs, shrimp, and alcohol.
- Regular exercise to maintain joint, muscle, and bone health.
- Maintaining an ideal body weight.
- Drinking plenty of water.
Normally, the level of uric acid in human blood ranges from 3.4 to 7.0 mg/dL in males, 2.4 to 6.0 mg/dL in females, and 2.0 to 5.5 mg/dL in children.
Under normal conditions, uric acid is soluble in the blood and excreted through urine. However, uric acid can accumulate and form gout crystals in joints and other organs, including the kidneys.
Uric acid in the kidneys can pose a serious threat to health, as it can trigger kidney pain and the emergence of kidney stones.
Hence, it is crucial to maintain normal uric acid levels by reducing the consumption of high-purine foods, engaging in regular exercise, drinking plenty of water, and maintaining a healthy body weight.
If you have any questions or concerns about uric acid, it is advisable to visit a healthcare facility such as a clinic or hospital to undergo uric acid testing, consult with a doctor, and seek proper medical treatment.
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