What Is Hyperuricemia, and How Does It Lead to Gout?

Question

I recently had a blood test, and my doctor told me my uric acid levels were high. After doing some research, I found out that this condition is called hyperuricemia. I know that uric acid is a waste product that’s normally removed by the kidneys, but what happens when it builds up too much in the body?

I read that hyperuricemia can sometimes cause no symptoms at all, but in other cases, it can lead to painful gout attacks, kidney stones, or joint inflammation. How do I know if my high uric acid levels are dangerous, and at what point does it turn into gout?

I also read that certain foods high in purines, like red meat, seafood, and alcohol, can make hyperuricemia worse. Does this mean I need to completely eliminate purine-rich foods, or are there safe limits?

Are there natural ways to lower uric acid levels and prevent gout attacks? Does Ayurveda recommend any herbs, dietary changes, or detox methods for hyperuricemia management? I’ve heard that Punarnava, Giloy, and Triphala help with uric acid removal—do they really work?

If anyone has been diagnosed with hyperuricemia, what changes did you make to improve your condition? Did diet and lifestyle adjustments make a noticeable difference?

Dr. Harsha Joy · Accepted Answer

Hyperuricemia occurs when there’s an excess of uric acid in the bloodstream, which can lead to conditions like gout, kidney stones, and joint inflammation if not managed properly. Uric acid is usually filtered out by the kidneys, but when the body produces too much or fails to eliminate it efficiently, it can crystallize in the joints, causing painful flare-ups of gout. High uric acid levels may not cause symptoms immediately, but if left unchecked, they can result in severe pain and swelling. Diets rich in purines—found in red meat, seafood, and alcohol—can exacerbate hyperuricemia, so while it's not necessary to completely eliminate these foods, limiting them is recommended. Natural remedies like Punarnava, Giloy, and Triphala are believed to support uric acid elimination and reduce inflammation, and many people with hyperuricemia find that dietary changes (e.g., reducing purine-rich foods), staying hydrated, and regular exercise help prevent flare-ups. If you’ve been diagnosed with hyperuricemia, adjusting your diet, maintaining a healthy weight, and using herbs like those from Ayurveda might make a noticeable difference in managing symptoms.

What Is Hyperuricemia, and How Does It Lead to Gout? - #15276

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