Uric acid is a compound created during the body's breakdown of purines - a natural component found in many foods. When this concentration in the blood exceeds normal levels, the metabolic system may be disrupted, increasing the risk of gout, kidney stones or cardiovascular diseases.
Especially in the summer, this risk is even higher due to hot weather that makes the body easily dehydrated, blood condensed, combined with a diet high in protein and changing living habits. Therefore, proactively controlling uric acid levels in hot weather is extremely necessary.
Potential risks and early warning signs
When the amount of uric acid exceeds the normal threshold, it can crystallize in the urinary tract, increasing the risk of kidney stones or deposition in the joints.
Some common early manifestations may include:
Sudden joint pains appear at night.
The joint area is swollen, red, and hot (particularly common in the big toe joint).
The pain can be so intense that even a slight impact can make the patient extremely uncomfortable.
When these symptoms appear, patients should have a blood test. The reference uric acid level usually ranges from 3.4 - 7.0 mg/dL for men and 2.4 - 6.0 mg/dL for women.
Summary table: Risks and ways to control uric acid in hot weather
| Risk factors of hot sunny season | Mechanism of action on uric acid index | Preventive support solutions |
|---|---|---|
| Body dehydrates due to sweating | Drink at least 1 - 5 - 2 liters of filtered water per day, divided into small sips. | |
| Consume a lot of cold beer | Beer, especially beer yeast, contains relatively high levels of purines. Alcohol in alcohol can affect the process of urate excretion through the kidneys. | Minimize alcohol, replace it with filtered water or herbal tea. |
| Drink soft drinks | Prioritize eating fresh fruits rich in fiber and Vitamin C instead of drinking bottled juice. |
Subjects at risk of increased uric acid in the blood
According to Healthline, men are often at higher risk due to lifestyle effects.
Some typical risk factors contributing to increased uric acid levels include: the habit of consuming a lot of alcohol, eating a lot of animal organs, or physical activity with too high intensity causing dehydration. In addition, people with underlying diseases such as kidney failure, high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity or using diuretics for cardiovascular treatment are also in the group that needs to closely monitor urate levels.
How to help control uric acid in the summer
To support regulating the metabolic system during hot sunny days, experts from WebMD recommend applying the following methods:
Supplement enough water: Drinking from 1.5 - 2 liters of water per day helps the kidneys function more effectively, contributing to diluting and secreting uric acid through urine, limiting the risk of urate crystal deposition due to dehydration in the body.
Scientific nutrition: Limit consumption of organs, seafood containing a lot of purines and sugary soft drinks. Instead, increase green vegetables, fresh fruits rich in vitamin C and low-fat milk.
Maintain a healthy weight: Obese people often have higher uric acid levels and can affect their ability to excrete uric acid.
Increase fiber: Eating a lot of fiber not only helps stabilize insulin levels in the blood but also contributes to supporting a healthy diet.
Be proactive in listening to your body and maintain a habit of drinking enough water to limit the risk of sudden increases in uric acid.
The information in the article is for reference only, not for medical diagnosis or treatment. You should talk directly to your doctor for accurate and appropriate advice to your health condition.
