Hyperuricemia is a condition in which your body has too much uric acid. Uric acid is a natural waste product that is created when your body breaks down substances called purines. Purines are found in certain foods, such as red meat, seafood, and alcohol.
In most cases, people with hyperuricemia don’t experience any symptoms. However, if the condition is left untreated, it can lead to a painful condition called gout. Gout is caused by uric acid crystals forming in the joints, which can cause pain, swelling, and stiffness.
Hyperuricemia is often caused by eating a diet high in purines. Eating too much red meat, seafood, and alcohol can all increase the amount of uric acid in your body. Being overweight and having high blood pressure or diabetes can also increase your risk of hyperuricemia.
Making changes to your diet and lifestyle can help reduce the amount of uric acid in your body. Eating a healthy, balanced diet that is low in purines can help. You should also limit your alcohol intake and maintain a healthy weight. Regular exercise can also help reduce your risk of hyperuricemia.
Approximately 8% of the population suffer from hyperuricemia. However, this percentage increases with age, and it is estimated that up to 20% of people over the age of 60 have hyperuricemia. It is also more common in men than women.
Fasting has been shown to reduce levels of uric acid in the body by increasing the rate at which it is cleared from the body. This is likely due to the fact that when fasting, the body is in a state of catabolism, meaning it is breaking down proteins, fats, and carbohydrates for energy. This process of breaking down proteins and fats releases amino acids and fatty acids, which are then metabolized by the liver and converted into energy. This process also increases the production of uric acid, which is then excreted from the body in the urine. By increasing the rate at which uric acid is cleared from the body, fasting can help reduce the symptoms of hyperuricemia.