Kidneys excrete different types of wastes that metabolism produces; this waste is then removed from the body through the urine. Metabolism eliminates nitrogenous waste through the kidneys along with the conversion of food into energy, proteins, lipid, carbohydrates and nucleic acid. Normally, the uric acid gets out of the system from the urine and some of it also goes out from the stool. When there is a high level of uric acid that is formed from the natural process of food breakdown, kidneys are not able to excrete them through the urine and the extra uric acid remains in the blood.

Doctors recommend running a blood test to find out if you have excess uric acid levels in your body. There are many reasons for this blood uric acid test, some of which are outlined as follows:

• It helps find out if you have gout
• Uric acid is usually responsible for kidney stones; this test helps in controlling the uric acid levels in blood so it doesn’t cause kidney stones in the future
• If you have already been diagnosed with having high uric acid levels in the blood, this test will show if the measures you are taking to bring the level down is working or not
• People going through chemotherapy or radiation therapy are prone to getting uric acid in their blood; this test will help doctors find out if there has been any leakage of uric acid in the blood because of such therapies

There are many factors that contribute to increased uric acid levels in the blood that will help you understand how to lower uric acid levels:

• It could be genetic
• Obesity
• Psoriasis
• Pills for high blood pressure
• Alcoholism
• Drugs that suppress immunity
• Foods rich in purine
• Weak kidneys—when kidneys are not filtering waste properly

There are ways on how to lower uric acid levels in your blood. Once you know the causes, you can work on the solution to bring the level down. There are also some symptoms you should know to identify hyperuricemia if you have not taken any blood test for that. Here are the symptoms of this condition:

• There is a good chance that you will not have any symptoms despite having hyperuricemia
• If you can relate to any of the causes mentioned above, you might have high uric acid levels in your blood
• Having gout or inflammation in your joints is a sure sign of hyperuricemia. These inflammations make your joints look abnormally extended than their usual size
• Having kidney or urinary problems can als0 be a symptom of hyperuricemia

How to lower uric acid levels in your blood?

• Start by telling your doctor about your own ways to lower uric acid levels. There are ways that work for everybody, but your doctor will know whether certain measures will work or not considering your body type and other characteristics
• You will probably have to make some changes in your diet. You can start with lowering your intake of foods that are high in purine. Such foods include organs of animals—such as liver, kidneys etc.—yeast, asparagus, spinach, beans, oatmeal, cauliflower, and mushrooms. Moreover, beer and other alcoholic beverages have high levels of purine. To lower uric acid levels in the blood, it is important to lower the consumption of such foods and beverages in your diet.
• There are foods that are low in purine that you can have to lower uric acid levels in your blood. Some of these include the following:
  • Milk and milk products
  • Eggs
  • Lettuce
  • Tomatoes
  • Green vegetables
  • Water
  • Fruits
  • Peanut butter
  • Nuts
• Make sure you keep yourself hydrated at all times. Your liquid intake should include water for hydration. On an average, an adult should have at least 2–3 liters of water throughout the day every day. You may require more water based on your BMI to help lower uric acid levels.
• Steer clear of caffeine and alcohol completely if you have been diagnosed with hyperuricemia. Just reducing alcohol will not help with this problem; it will be great if you completely stop your alcohol intake.
• If you are taking medications that are contributing to the problem of high uric acid, you should first speak to your doctor to see if anything can be done regarding the consumption of such medicines.
• Consuming more green tea can help bring down the uric acid levels in your blood.
• Avoid foods and beverages that are high in sugar as these could add to the levels of uric acid and increase your chances of acquiring gout.
• As mentioned above, eating fruits is a good way to lower uric acid levels; therefore, ensure to eat a lot of bananas, strawberries, blueberries, and other fresh fruits.

Speaking to your doctor before you make any changes in your diet will foolproof your measures of lowering the levels of uric acid. There could be certain things that could result in something you wouldn’t expect and cause more harm than benefit. Your doctor knows your health history and that will help you with the proper understanding of things you should and shouldn’t do to lower uric acid levels.