An increase in uric acid in the body can become a serious problem. It can often snow ball into diseases like gout, kidney stones, bladder stone among others.

The right action at the right time can save us from these serious issues, and it all begins with being informed.

FIT speaks to experts about uric acid, and what leads to high levels of it in the body. Also, what should you, and shouldn't you, do when uric acid levels in your body go up?

"Uric acid is a type of chemical, which is formed in the body by the breakdown of an element called purine. Most of the uric acid is filtered by the kidneys and passes out of the body through the urinary tract. But when the level of uric acid in the body increases," says Dr Ajay Kumar, Director, Urology, Nephrology and Transplantation, Paras HMRI Hospital, Patna.

To detect uric acid in the body, a specialist may ask the patient for a blood test that helps determin the level of uric acid in the patient's blood.

The normal range of uric acid is different in women and in men.

• For women, this is more than 6 mg/dL.

• For men, this is greater than 6.5 mg/dL.

If the patient's uric acid level is above these standards, then definitely consult a specialist for that.

Having high uric acid can manifest into a number of other issues. These include,

• Gout

If the level of uric acid in the blood of the patient is found to be more than the above mentioned standards, crystals can form in the in the joints of the body like hands and feet.

This can lead to 'gout', a disease that occurs in the joints of the bones of the body, which causes swelling in the joints, severe pain, and the inability to move.

• Kidney stones

Having high uric acid can also lead to kidney stones.

Often these stones are small, which pass out of the body through urine, but when it becomes large, it can cause blockage in parts of the urinary system.

• Bladder stone

Urinary tract or bladded stones is a condition that occurs when solid minerals accumulate in your bladder. This problem has the potential to completely damage the bladder.

"The level of uric acid increases when the body makes more purine, or more purine is taken through food. Apart from this, uric acid level also increases due to reduced kidney function," says, Dr Rajiva Gupta, Vice Chairman, Clinical Immunology and Rheumatology, Medanta Hospital, Gurugram.

Some other factors that lead to a spike in uric acid levels in the body are,

• Obesity

• Eating foods high in purines

• Excessive alcohol consumption

• Genetic factors

• Hypothyroidism

• Decreased kidney function

• Diseases like cancer that lead to higher levels of uric acid

The treatment of the patient depends on the cause and symptoms of his disease.

For conditions like gout, and kidney stones, doctors recommend medication, surgery or lifestyle changes depending on its severity. Therefore, if you experience the above-mentioned symptoms, contact your doctor at the earliest.

"Elevated uric acid can be controlled with certain dietary restrictions or advice. If a patient has gout along with hyperuricemia, diet can prevent or reduce the damage caused by gout," says Dr Ajay Kumar.

In illness, it is important that the patient follow the diet prescribed by the doctor.

One should typically avoid the following foods if you have high levels of uric acid or renal issues.

• Red meats

• Foods containing high fructose corn syrup such as cold drinks, canned fruit, ice cream

• Seafood

• Spinach, Peas, Beans and Mushrooms

• Beer and alcoholic beverages

Dr Ajay Kumar advices filling your plate with these foods to control high uric acid.

• Lots of water

• Low-fat dairy products like milk, yogurt and cheese

• High fiber food

• Drumsticks

• A variety of fruits, and their juices

• Foods rich in Vitamin C such as oranges, pineapples, strawberries, bell peppers, tomatoes and avocados

• Coffee