Beer, dried beans, anchovies, wine and liver all have something in common aside from being delicious food and drink normally consumed by the population. All of them have high levels of purines.
Purines
Purines are natural substances found in almost all kinds of foods. They are also part of the chemical structure of our DNA.
That’s right, it’s also found in our genes. Purines in small amounts are not harmful but when found in high concentrations, can cause serious detriments to your health.
Uric acid and purines
Uric acid is produced when the purines in the body are broken down naturally. It is a chemical that can be found dissolved in the blood and ends up in your urine.
Big amounts of uric acid found in the body will cause sicknesses and discomfort. It can lead to several diseases such as cardiovascular disease, gout and the Lesch-Nyhan Syndrome.
But when uric acid is found below the natural amount that the body should have, it will also cause several complications. Multiple sclerosis is one of the major diseases associated with low levels of uric acid.
It is important to keep the correct balance of uric acid in the body. It should follow the “no more no less” rule so that it can keep the body free from the aforementioned diseases.
Avoiding hyperuricemia
A high level of uric acid in the body is called hyperuricemia. If you have a penchant for protein rich foods and organic meat or if you are a regular drinker, you might want to have your uric acid levels tested the next time you have your annual physical.
You only need to let a health care professional draw blood from you and then they can analyze the sample in the laboratory.
To prevent high levels of uric acid from forming in your body, regulate your intake of purine rich foods. Fix your daily diet and this will help you from having either a high or low level of uric acid in the body.
High levels of uric acid can also be passed in the family. If your family has this history of sickness than it is better for you to keep a balanced lifestyle so as to not aggravate the levels of uric acid in your own body.