Excessive consumption of purine-rich foods:
Uric acid is formed when the body breaks down chemicals called purines. Red meat, seafood such as shellfish, alcohol (especially beer), and some types of fish are rich in purines. Excessive consumption of these can increase uric acid.
Poor Kidney Function:
Uric acid produced in the body is usually excreted through the kidneys in the urine. When the kidneys slow down or cannot filter uric acid completely, it starts to build up in the blood.
Genetics:
If your parents or close relatives have uric acid problems or gout, you are more likely to develop it genetically.
Overweight and Obesity:
As body weight increases, the breakdown of body cells increases, and the kidneys’ ability to filter uric acid from the blood decreases.
Unhealthy lifestyle and diet:
Artificially sweetened drinks (containing high-fructose corn syrup), fast food, and not drinking enough water are the main factors that increase uric acid.
Side effects of certain medications:
Some medications to lower blood pressure (diuretics) or medications used for certain other health problems can interfere with the process of excreting uric acid from the body.
Hormonal changes and other diseases:
People with diabetes, high blood pressure, thyroid problems, and those undergoing certain types of cancer treatments are likely to have increased uric acid.
