Uric Acid

Uric Acid

What's

Uric Acid

Uric Acid is a natural substance that your body creates when it breaks down purines, which are found in your cells and some foods. Your kidneys help remove it from your body through your urine. This process shows how amazing your body is at cleaning itself. Uric Acid acts like a quiet cleaner, taking care of waste from cellular activities, and its levels in your body can give you information about your overall health and how well your body is handling waste.

If Your Levels Are High

Elevated uric acid levels might mean that your body is either making too much uric acid or not getting rid of it effectively. This can happen for various reasons, such as eating a lot of purine-rich foods like red meat and seafood, or drinking too much alcohol. Some medications, like water pills (diuretics) or low-dose aspirin, can also cause higher uric acid levels. Health conditions that could lead to increased uric acid include problems with your metabolism, difficulty processing sugar, or issues with your kidneys. Keep in mind that having too much uric acid in your body can sometimes result in problems like gout or kidney stones.

Symptoms of High Levels

Symptoms of high levels of Uric Acid may include joint pain or stiffness, often starting in the big toe, as well as kidney pain if stones have formed. Some people may experience no symptoms at all.

If Your Levels are Low

Low uric acid levels might mean that your body isn't making enough of this substance, or it's getting rid of it too fast. This could be because of different reasons, like eating foods with low purines, drinking lots of water, or taking certain medicines that make you excrete more uric acid. Some health conditions could also play a role, such as Wilson's disease, which makes copper build up in important organs, or Fanconi Syndrome, which affects how your kidneys work. Drinking too much alcohol can also cause low uric acid levels.

Symptoms of Low Levels

Symptoms of low levels of Uric Acid are often subtle and may not be immediately noticeable. They could include fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and a general sense of not feeling well. In some cases, symptoms related to the underlying cause of the low uric acid, such as jaundice or tremors in Wilson's disease, or excessive thirst and urination in Fanconi Syndrome, may be present.

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See References

Test for

Uric Acid by Access Med Labs

Serum

This is a single-marker test measuring uric acid. It can help diagnose gout, renal failure, and a variety of other conditions.

Uric Acid by Access Labcorp Draw

Serum

This is a single-marker test measuring uric acid. It can help diagnose gout, renal failure, and a variety of other conditions.

Uric Acid (UA) by Boston Heart Diagnostics

Serum

This is a single-marker test measuring uric acid. It can help diagnose gout, renal failure, and a variety of other conditions. Please be advised that Boston Heart Diagnostics policy states that practitioners cannot order labs on themselves or their immediate family members.

Dr. Casey Means’ Good Energy Panel by Access Med Labs

Whole Blood

Serum

The Good Energy Panel by Dr. Casey Means offers a comprehensive evaluation of metabolic, cardiovascular, and inflammatory health. By measuring markers such as cholesterol levels, glucose regulation, and inflammation, this panel helps practitioners assess the underlying factors affecting energy balance, metabolic function, and long-term health outcomes. Learn more about this bundle by taking Dr. Means’ bootcamp October 21 - December 4, 2024! This panel includes: Complete Blood Count with Differential (CBC w/ Diff), Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP), Hemoglobin A1C (HbA1c), Apolipoprotein B (Apo-B), Triglycerides, HDL Cholesterol, Insulin, C-Reactive Protein (CRP), GGT, Uric Acid, and Vitamin D.

Female Functional Wellness Panel by Precision Point

Serum

Plasma

Precision Point Diagnostics' Female Functional Wellness Panel provides a comprehensive assessment of a patient's well-being. It is an excellent way to start and track any patient’s journey to optimal wellness.

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