Uric acid is not a term that many people are familiar with. It is usually understood as something that is in your body that can be troublesome if there is too much of it. It is not widely understood where uric acid comes from, what happens to it in the body, and what exactly can happen to the body if there is too much of it present. Understanding everything you can about uric acid will help you understand the consequences of having too much in the body, and what steps you should take to ensure that your levels are lowered. Having a basic understanding of uric acid overall will help with ensuring that you do not end up facing the consequences of high amounts of uric acid.
Uric acid is defined as an almost insoluble compound that is a breakdown product of nitrogenous metabolism. It is also an excretory product in birds, reptiles and insects. It is a compound of carbon, nitrogen, oxygen and hydrogen. It forms ions and salts that are known as urates and acid urates. One of these is known as ammonium acid urate. Simply put, uric acid is a byproduct of the body’s metabolism, and it is a human waste product that many people do not even think about.
Uric acid is a chemical that comes from something called purines. Purines are defined as a colorless crystalline compound that has basic properties. Purines form uric acid and oxidation. The ones that break down to form uric acid are nitrogen containing compounds that are found in the cells of all plants and animals. This includes the human body as well. Purines can come from two different places. The ones that are made within the body are called endogenous purines. There are also ones that are called exogenous purines. These are found in foods and beverages like meats, seafood and alcoholic beverages.
Most people’s bodies can handle a constant influx of purines. Purines will pass through the liver where they are then broken down into uric acid. This chemical enters the bloodstream and then travels through the kidneys. It then exits the body through urination. Some of the uric acid that is made will go through the intestines. There is bacteria there that will help break this uric acid down.
Some other people’s bodies are not equipped to handle the purines or uric acid. Some people’s bodies produce too much uric acid, or their kidneys cannot keep up with the removal of uric acid from the bloodstream. In either situation, a condition called hyperuricemia is the result. This is a condition where there is too much uric acid in the blood.
Some people who have hyperuricemia do not experience symptoms right away. They often experience other painful complications, like gout, and then realize that their uric acid levels are far too high. High levels of uric acid may also lead to kidney stones, and even kidney failure. You can get tested for uric acid levels in the blood, and even get treatment for it before these complications arise.
Although uric acid is a chemical in the body that is not usually thought about, it is an important one to be educated about. Knowing what uric acid is, where it comes from, and what it can do to the body will ensure that people keep and eye on their levels so they do not experience the painful complications.