Uric acid is a naturally occurring chemical, which is found in your body as a result of foods being digested. Specifically, when purines found in certain foods are digested, uric acid is a by-product. Purines are a nitrogen based compound, which becomes uric acid as it breaks down following digestion.
Having too much uric acid in your bloodstream is unhealthy and is called hyperuricemia. To determine if this is a problem for you, your doctor can test the normal range of uric acid levels in the blood through a serum uric acid measurement test. This test also helps your physician to better understand how well your body is creating and flushing out this chemical.
Maintaining Uric Acid Levels:
The normal range of uric acid levels in the blood should be between 2.4 and 6 mg/dL in a healthy adult female, and 3.4 to 7 mg/dL in a healthy adult male. The number may rise or fall depending on diet and other factors being examined.
For most people, flushing out purine and uric acid isn't an issue. The body will work hard to maintain balance on its own. You can help, however, if you are nervous about having high levels, by choosing foods and beverages more carefully.
Best Foods for Having a Normal Range of Uric Acid Levels in The Blood:
Fatty fish, such as anchovies and mackerel, tend to be high in purines, meaning that more uric acid will be formed than usual. High doses of these purines can remain in the body, eventually causing uric acid levels to become too high.
Other foods to be wary of are beer, wine, and dried beans. Of course, these things can be enjoyed in moderation from time to time, but if you want to keep your uric acid levels average, don't overindulge in these foods.
Low Uric Acid:
It is also possible to not have enough uric acid in the blood, which can be bad for the kidneys and liver. In fact, men and women who suffer from kidney disease, often have low uric acid levels in their bodies.
Testing For Normal Range of Uric Acid Levels in the Blood:
The uric acid level test is fairly standard, but not everybody will have to undergo such. These tests are generally given to patients who have undergone chemotherapy for cancer, have irregular swelling or pain which could be considered symptoms of gout, or if you have kidney stones, or other kidney related symptoms which can be cause for alarm.
Irregular uric acid levels can be treated and either increased or decreased based on necessity. If you feel that your levels may be causing health issues, speak to your doctor immediately. The testing process is straightforward and fairly pain free aside from the prick required to take a sample of your blood.
Fever, chills, and inflammation are all signs that your levels have spiked too high, but not all hyperuricemia shows symptoms. Kidney pain or the inability to urinate regularly, are other warning signs to be wary of. Speak to a doctor if any of these symptoms arise, and remember to attend regular checkups if you have been diagnosed with hyperuricemia in the past.