Understanding Uric Acid in India: A Doctor’s Guide to Prevention and Management

Understanding Uric Acid in India: A Doctor’s Guide to Prevention and Management

Written by, Dr.Roopa,D , Senior Consultant at UWAY Health 

At UWAY, we have been seeing an increasing number of patients with high uric acid levels, especially from Bangalore and Hyderabad. Many of them come to us because they are not getting permanent relief from gout.

A large number of these patients have been taking medications like Allopurinol or Febuxostat for years and now want to explore Ayurveda for long-term management. They often ask if Ayurveda has a natural solution that can help them reduce or stop their dependence on these drugs. As a doctor, I often meet patients who don’t realize how much their daily habits affect their health. One of the common concerns I see in my clinic is high uric acid levels.

Many people ignore it until they develop severe pain, often in their big toe, ankles, or knees. Some struggle with kidney stones, unaware that high uric acid levels could be the cause. With rapid urbanization, changing food habits, and increased stress, high uric acid is becoming a growing health problem in India. But what exactly is uric acid, why does it increase, and how can we manage it? Let’s break it down in simple terms.

Why Are More Indians Facing High Uric Acid Levels?

India is changing fast. More people are moving to cities, working long hours at desk jobs, eating processed foods, and leading sedentary lifestyles. These factors contribute to the rising number of people with high uric acid.

Sedentary Lifestyles: Sitting for long hours, whether at work or during travel, slows down metabolism. This can lead to weight gain and inefficient processing of uric acid. In this study by the Indian Journal of Community Medicine found that 60% of urban professionals lead sedentary lives, increasing their risk of hyperuricemia (high uric acid levels).

Unhealthy Diet Choices: Indian diets have changed dramatically over the last few decades. Traditional home-cooked meals are being replaced by fast food, sugary drinks, and processed snacks. Many of these foods are rich in purines (which increase uric acid levels) or fructose (which reduces the ability of kidneys to flush out uric acid). A report by the National Institute of Nutrition (NIN) found that urban Indians consume 30% more processed foods than those in rural areas.

Stress and Sleep Deprivation: Urban life often means dealing with deadlines, long commutes, and financial pressures. Chronic stress leads to hormonal imbalances, which may contribute to higher uric acid levels. In this study by the AllIndia Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) found that 45% of urban adults experience chronic stress, which is linked to an increased risk of hyperuricemia. Poor sleep further worsens the condition.

Alcohol Consumption: Alcohol, especially beer, is one of the major contributors to high uric acid levels. Social drinking has become more common in urban India, leading to increased consumption. In this study by the GlobalBurden of Disease Study reported that alcohol intake in India has risen by 55% in the last two decades, with urban areas being the biggest contributors.

What is Uric Acid and Why Should You Care?

Uric acid is a waste product formed when the body breaks down purines found in certain foods and drinks. Normally, the kidneys filter it out, and it leaves the body through urine. But when the body produces too much uric acid, or the kidneys fail to remove it properly, it starts accumulating in the blood. This leads to hyperuricemia.

High uric acid is a warning sign that your body is struggling to process waste efficiently. Left unchecked, it can lead to:

Gout: A painful condition where uric acid crystals accumulate in the joints, causing swelling and extreme discomfort, especially in the big toe.

Kidney Stones: These hard deposits can form in the kidneys, leading to severe pain and potential long-term kidney damage.

Other Health Risks: Studies suggest that high uric acid may contribute to hypertension, diabetes, and even heart disease.

What is Uric Acid and Why Should You Care?

Foods That Can Increase Uric Acid Levels

As a doctor, I always emphasize the importance of diet in managing uric acid levels. Here are some common foods that may worsen the condition:

Foods That Can Increase Uric Acid Levels

High-Purine Foods:

Non-Vegetarian: Red meat (mutton, beef), organ meats (liver, kidney), and seafood (prawns, crabs) contain high levels of purines.

Vegetarian: Certain plant-based foods like lentils (dal), chickpeas (chana), and kidney beans (rajma) have moderate purine levels.

Vegetables That Need Moderation: Spinach (palak), cauliflower (gobi), and peas (matar) contain moderate purines and should be consumed in balance.

Sugary and Processed Foods: Sweets, packaged snacks, and carbonated drinks are rich in fructose, which can increase uric acid levels.

Alcohol: Beer and whiskey are particularly harmful as they not only raise uric acid production but also affect kidney function.

Final Thoughts

High uric acid is a growing concern in India, but it can be managed with the right approach. Many patients at UWAY, especially from Bangalore and Hyderabad, are looking for long-term solutions beyond conventional medicines. They want to know if Ayurveda can offer a natural way to manage their uric acid levels and reduce dependency on Allopurinol or Febuxostat. 

Whether you follow Ayurveda or Allopathy, the key lies in lifestyle changes. A well-balanced diet, regular exercise, and stress management can help keep uric acid levels in check. Prevention is always better than cure. Start making small changes today, and your body will thank you in the long run.

UWAY, follows traditional Kerala ayurveda medical protocol with modern diagnostic techniques for better patient outcomes.

Please feel free to contact us at care@uwayhealth.com

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