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Causes of High Uric Acid Level: Increasing uric acid level is a common problem in many people nowadays. If the level of uric acid in the blood increases, some people may have problems like joint pain, swelling and arthritis. Uric acid is formed by the breakdown of compounds called purines in the body and is normally eliminated from the body by the kidneys. However, it is not possible to completely get rid of uric acid in one day. Changes in diet, water intake and lifestyle can help control uric acid. But, if uric acid is continuously increasing, it is necessary to consult a doctor. Why does uric acid increase? There are many reasons for increasing uric acid level in the body. Consumption of purine-rich diet, alcohol consumption, excessive consumption of fructose-sweetened beverages, obesity and kidney problems can be the main reasons for this. Some medications can also affect uric acid levels. Therefore, it is important to make an overall change in lifestyle rather than giving up just one food item. Step 1: Drink plenty of water Water intake plays an important role in controlling uric acid. Drinking adequate amounts of fluids helps eliminate uric acid from the body through the kidneys. Therefore, make it a habit to drink water regularly throughout the day. However, if your doctor has advised you to limit water intake because of kidney, heart or other health problems, you should follow their advice. Limit your intake of foods rich in purines. Red meat, liver and some seafood may be high in purines. Limiting their intake can help control arthritis and uric acid. Experts recommend limiting the intake of certain fish and seafood, especially liver, sardines, anchovies and mackerel. But it is not necessary to completely avoid every food containing purines. Balanced diet is the key to success. Stay away from alcohol and sugary beverages. For people who have high uric acid levels, it may be beneficial to reduce or completely eliminate alcohol consumption, especially beer. The Mayo Clinic also recommends limiting sweetened beverages and certain fruit juices containing fructose. Additionally, it is also a good idea to reduce your intake of cold drinks, high-sugar drinks and sugary snacks. Control your weight in a healthy way. Being overweight can increase the risk of arthritis. Losing weight slowly and in a healthy way can help overweight people lower uric acid levels and reduce the risk of gout attacks. But do not do crash diets or fasting to lose weight quickly. In some cases, rapid weight loss can temporarily increase uric acid levels. Fruits, vegetables and low-fat dairy products A balanced diet should include vegetables, fruits, whole grains and low-fat dairy products. The Mayo Clinic says low-fat dairy products may be helpful in controlling arthritis. Similarly, it is best to limit your intake of high-fat, sugar-rich and processed foods. Exercise is also important. Regular physical activity can be helpful in maintaining a healthy weight. However, if you have had an attack of arthritis and have severe pain or swelling in the joints, you should avoid exercises that put excessive pressure on the area. It is best to start exercising after the pain subsides with the advice of a doctor. Do not stop taking the medicine. Not all people with high uric acid need the same treatment. In some cases, doctors may prescribe medications to reduce uric acid. For example, allopurinol is a medication used to reduce uric acid production, and it must be taken only on prescription. Therefore, it is not advisable to stop the medicine prescribed by the doctor on your own or change its dosage. Is a complete solution possible in one day? No. Drinking more water during the day or avoiding certain foods will not completely eliminate uric acid. Controlling uric acid usually requires a combination of long-term diet, healthy weight, exercise, reducing alcohol and sugary beverages, and medical treatment when needed. If your blood test finds high uric acid levels, it is important to consult a doctor. Not everyone with high uric acid levels has gout symptoms. If you have severe joint pain, sudden swelling, redness, or frequent gout attacks, do not self-medicate and consult a doctor. Uric acid and gout can be effectively controlled with proper testing and appropriate treatment.