Uric acid - a heterocyclic compound of carbon, nitrogen, oxygen and hydrogen. It is formed by the decomposition of the body of purine nucleotides.

If a person consumes a lot of foods rich in purines in the body can be formed excess uric acid. This condition is called hyperuricemia. Foods that contain a lot of purines include: liver, kidneys, red meat, some fish and alcohol and coffee, asparagus, cauliflower, mushrooms, chickpeas, lentils and spinach. However, if the level of uric acid in the blood or urine exceeds the norm, do not blame the diet. It defines only 10-15% of the production of uric acid.

What determines the production of uric acid?

Development of the main part of uric acid is dependent on DNA and ATP (adenosine-5'-triphosphate). Of the components of DNA - adenine, cytosine, guanine and thymine, two - adenine and guanine, are derivatives of purine. In an adult human each day as a result of apoptosis, or programmed cell death, die, on average, 50-70 million cells. In the bloodstream are billions of purine molecules. Some of these will be reused in the creation of new cells, but most of them are sent to the liver and there are cleaved to form uric acid and causes the kidneys. That is why in most liver contains purines.

What is ATP?

ATP - is a multifunctional co-enzyme, which is involved in metabolic processes within cells. The basic structure of ATP are purine bases. ATP stores energy, is a product of glucose Glucose: The energy source . When the cell needs energy, it releases ATP cleaving phosphate becomes adenosine diphosphate (ADP).

In a healthy organism ADP slowly restore energy levels, re-contacting the phosphate. However, if a person is experiencing severe physical or psychological stress, or is influenced by other factors, for a short period of time can be used a large amount of ATP and ADP thus formed can not quickly turn back into ATP. As a result of an excess of ADP it will split and develop a large amount of purine, and then - uric acid. Considered normal levels of uric acid in the blood from 3 to 7 mg / dl.

What is an overabundance of uric acid?

The excess of normal levels of uric acid in the blood can be a sign of the following offenses:

• Acidosis
• Alcoholism
• Diabetes
• Podagra
• Saturnism
• Leukemia
• Nephrolithiasis
• Polycythemia vera
• Renal failure
• Toxemia of pregnancy
• Overly intense exercise
• Side effects of chemotherapy

What does a low level of uric acid?

Low levels of uric acid may be indicative of conditions such as:

• Syndrome of inappropriate secretion of antidiuretic hormone
• Fanconi's anemia
• Wilson's disease

As a rule, doctors ask patients to nothing to eat or drink for 4 hours before giving blood for analysis of uric acid levels. Drugs that may increase the level of uric acid in the blood: an alcohol, ascorbic acid, aspirin, caffeine, cisplatin, diazoxide, diuretics, epinephrine, ethambutol, levodopa, methyldopa, nicotinic acid Nicotinic acid: what is its benefit to man? , Phenothiazines, theophylline.

Among the drugs which may lower the level of uric acid in the blood: allopurinol, azathioprine, clofibrate, corticosteroids, estrogen Estrogen - the key to bone health Glucose, guaifenesin, mannitol, probenecid, warfarin Warfarin - indirect anticoagulants .

To reduce or prevent the production of uric acid, the most commonly used allopurinol and febuxostat. She treat only the symptom, not the underlying condition that caused the increase in uric acid levels. Because these drugs can cause very unpleasant side effects if possible reduce the level of uric acid is necessary with the help of changes in the diet.

Going to the store to shop and simple meals - tips for arthritis sufferers

Before tasty and healthy food will be on the table, it is necessary to buy, cook and set the table. But all these actions represent a challenge if you have arthritis. Fortunately, there are many ways to help you cope with these difficulties. These methods may be useful in the campaign for shopping and cooking.

Buying products

• Set priorities

The reality of the lives of people with arthritis is that you can not do everything. Therefore, it is important to determine what you need to do and what you can do. If you are very difficult to lift the bags of food, consider whether to use the service delivery products at home. Then you can buy your own lighter products. If you love to cook, do focus on cooking. If not, you can order a meal at home, eating in public or cook in the semis.

• Make a list of products

Having made a shopping list in advance, you can avoid unnecessary shopping. A detailed plan will help minimize the movement of the grocery store, avoiding the stress of the affected joints.

• Try not to lift weights

If you are planning to go for food yourself, make frequent purchases, but do not lift the weight.

• Buy "comfortable" products

People suffering from arthritis, more convenient to buy semi-finished products. Now in stores you can find pre-washed and pre-cut vegetables and even fruit. Frozen vegetables - also a great way to avoid unnecessary burdens for cooking. And, as vegetables and fruits often frozen immediately after harvest, they are just as nutritious as fresh and.

• Take the right posture

If you have to carry bags of groceries yourself, lift weights bending your knees, not the waist. Carrying bags, keep them close to the body, distributing the weight evenly on both hands, not to create unnecessary tension in the back and joints.

• Have mercy on your joints

Some grocery stores staff can help bring purchases to the car. Do not hesitate to ask them about it. If you need to open a jar with a tight lid, too, can ask for help from other people.

• Use the convenient items

If you go to a pawn shop, think about the bag or cart on wheels for convenience.