Uric acid is a natural waste product formed when the body of an individual breaks down substances called purines. These substances are found in DNA and certain foods such as red meat, organ meats, alcohol and sugary drinks. It is a chemical created when the body breaks down substances called purines. Purines are the substances that are normally produced in the body. They are also found in some foods and drinks. The foods with high content of purines include dried beans, peas and liver. Most uric acid dissolves in the blood and it also travels to the kidneys. From the kidneys, it passes out in the urine. If the human body produces too much uric acid or it does not remove enough out of it, one can fall sick. A high level of uric acid in the blood is called hyperuricemia.
How is the test performed?
A blood sample is needed and most of the time, the blood is drawn from a vein which is located on the inside of the elbow or the back of the hand.
How to prepare for the test?
One should not eat or drink anything for four hours before the test unless told otherwise. Many medicines tend to interfere with the blood results. Your healthcare practitioner will tell you if you need to stop taking any medicines before you have this test. One should not stop or change their medicines without talking to the health provider.
Why is the test performed?
This particular test is performed to see if the person has a high level of uric acid in their blood. High levels of uric acid tend to sometimes cause gout or kidney disease. One may carry out this test if they have had or are about to have certain types of chemotherapy. Rapid destruction of cancerous cells can occur with these types of treatments. It can increase the amount of uric acid in your blood.
Normal results
The normal value of the result may range between 3.5 to 7.2 milligrams and it may vary slightly among different laboratories. One should talk to their provider about the meaning of specific test results.
Uric acid Ayurveda
In Ayurveda, high uric acid levels are generally linked to an imbalance in vata and Kapha doshas. This can also be related to improper digestion and metabolism. The accumulation of ama which are toxins from undigested food also play a major role in increasing uric acid levels and contributing to conditions like Gout.
Following are the ayurvedic remedies for high uric acid-
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Guduchi.
Guduchi, also known as Amrita in Ayurveda is a powerful Rasayana that is highly effective in managing high uric acid levels. It improves Agni and helps prevent the formation of Ama. It also soothes joint inflammation caused by uric acid crystals deposits and reduces pain and swelling. Guduchi also enhances detoxification by improving kidney and liver function. It helps clear excess uric acid from the blood. The herb helps regulate metabolic imbalances that lead to uric acid disorders.
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Gokshura.
Gokshura is an excellent ayurvedic herb for managing high uric acid levels. It promotes urine production and helps the body flush out excess uric acid. It is used as a Mutravirechaka which makes it ideal for supporting renal filtration and reducing uric acid buildup. The drug also reduces joint inflammation and pain. It also helps counteract the dosha imbalance that contributes to uric acid-related issues like Vatarakta. It is one of the best ayurvedic remedies for high uric acid.
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Haritaki.
Haritaki is one of the key ingredients in Triphala. It is highly valued in Ayurveda for its anti-inflammatory and detoxifying properties. This makes it very useful for managing high uric acid. It enhances Agni and clears Ama which is a major cause of metabolic disorders. Haritaki supports the removal of excess toxins by keeping the bowels clean. It also supports liver function which is the key for uric acid. It also reduces oxidative stress which is linked to chronic inflammation.
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Chopchini.
Ayurvedic medicines have been found to eliminate many health ailments. Chopchini Churna is hot by nature and this makes it easy to digest and resolve the Vata, Pitta and Kapha doshas. The medicine can increase appetite and cure constipation. It also provides immunity to the body. Drinking this concoction is beneficial in treating gout, epilepsy and vata disorders. The powerful anti-inflammatory effects of the churna work to lower the levels of uric acid. It also helps to manage the symptoms related to arthritis.
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Triphala.
Triphala is an excellent ayurvedic herb for managing high uric acid levels. The holistic action of the drug makes it powerful in uric acid control. It corrects Mandagni, also known as weak digestive fire which helps reduce Ama that contributes to uric acid buildup. Better digestion also leads to fewer purines being improperly metabolized into uric acid. It also keeps the colon clean and aids in regular digestion of uric acid and metabolic wastes. The drug also helps in detoxifying the liver and supports renal clearance of uric acid. It is useful with gout and acid-related joint inflammation. It can also be combined with-
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Kaishore Guggulu.
It is a classical formula for Gout.
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Guduchi.
It is used for inflammation and immune balance.
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Punarnava.
It is used for uric acid elimination via kidneys.
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Punarnava.
It is one of the most effective ayurvedic herbs for managing high uric acid levels. It also promotes urine production and helps flush excess uric acid from the blood via kidneys. It is useful when high uric acid is due to reduced renal excretion. It also enhances detoxification through hepatic and renal systems. It is used in ayurvedic medicines for renal insufficiency and swelling. It plays a key role in reducing joint pain and swelling which are the common symptoms for gout and Vatarakta. It is also useful in systematic correction of metabolic disorders that are linked to uric acid imbalance. It works the best when combined with Gokshura, Guduchi, Triphala and Kaishore Guggulu.