What is the Normal Uric Acid Level? Causes, Symptoms & More

High uric acid levels are a prominent health concern usually associated with painful conditions, including joint inflammation, kidney stones, and gout. It is important to maintain a healthy level of uric acid to help reduce uric acid levels, improve physical and mental health, and prolong longevity. 

Healthy uric acid levels can help boost energy levels, improve cognitive function, prevent many diseases, and nurture positive social interactions. Uric acid levels can be managed by simple dietary modifications, maintaining hydration, and with the help of natural remedies.

This article offers a comprehensive insight into the normal uric acid level, what causes abnormal uric acid levels, symptoms, and natural remedies for uric acid control.

Uric acid is formed when the body breaks down the chemicals (purines). Purines are naturally found in the body and also in certain food products. It is a waste product present in the blood. Uric acid liquifies in the blood, passes through the kidneys, and blends with urine and is eliminated by the body.

Purines are transformed into uric acid, involving various chemical reactions in the liver. Uric acid travels to the kidneys through the bloodstream, where the body filters it out and eliminates it through urine. If uric acid is not expelled by the body, its concentration can cause hyperuricemia, which can damage various body organs.

Typically, normal uric acid levels for adults range between 2.4 mg/dL and 7.0 mg/dL; however, when uric acid levels rise, the variations depend on the age and gender of the individual.

Normal Uric Acid Level for Males: 3.4 mg/dL to 7.0 mg/dL

Uric Acid Normal Range in Females: 2.4 mg/dL to 6.0 mg/dL

Normal Uric Acid Level in Children: 2.5 mg/dL to 5.5 mg/dL

Uric acid is a component of blood, so a normal amount of uric acid is always present in the blood. Various factors that affect the uric acid normal range include:

• Age: Age, you age, uric acid levels also tend to increase, thus elderly people may have slightly higher levels.
• Gender: Women may have lower uric acid levels as compared to men because of the uricosuric influence of estrogen.
• Diet: Foods containing high purines, such as organ meats, red meat, and certain types of seafood, can cause higher uric acid levels.
• Hydration: Dehydration can cause higher concentrations of uric acid in the blood.
• Kidney Function: Kidneys eliminate uric acid from the body; improper kidney function causes elevated uric acid levels.
• Medications: Certain medications may influence the uric acid levels in the body.

A uric acid test is performed to measure the level of uric acid in the blood or urine. This test can help detect and screen many health conditions, including gout or kidney stones, and also the body’s capability to process and eliminate uric acid. Typically uric acid test is performed through blood; however, in some cases, a 24-hour urine sample may also be required.

When uric acid is not eliminated well from the body, it (uric acid crystals) can accumulate in joints, causing painful inflammation typical of gout.

If uric acid is not excreted properly from the body, the body has higher levels of uric leading to kidney stone formation.

Kidneys are crucial for eliminating uric acid from the body, and this test can help evaluate and monitor kidney function.

A blood sample is collected from the vein in the arm to perform the Uric acid test through blood. On the other hand, the uric acid test through urine involves collecting a 24-hour urine sample, followed by particular instructions given by the healthcare professional.

Uric acid can accumulate in the body due to various reasons, and certain risk factors contribute to the accumulation, including diet, hydration, and some environmental factors.

Some common causes that contribute to high uric acid levels in the body include:

• High purine foods
• Sugary drinks
• Alcohol
• Kidney problems
• Genetics and medications
• Obesity and metabolic syndrome

Risk factors that contribute to high uric acid in the body include diabetes, diuretics, metabolic syndrome, high blood pressure, and certain immunosuppressive medications.

Foods and drinks containing high purines, such as certain seafoods, red meat, and alcohol, can increase purine levels. Elevated uric acid is also associated with some medical conditions,  including gout and kidney diseases, and certain types of treatments, such as cancer treatment.

Individuals with abnormal concentrations of uric acid may experience symptoms that indicate high or low levels and certain health issues. In some people, symptoms may appear after a significant period of elevated uric acid levels that can contribute to health problems.

Common signs and symptoms of high uric acid levels in the body that are associated with gout include swollen or painful joints, skin discolouration around joints, and a warm feeling in joints.

Some common symptoms that are associated with too much uric acid and a kidney stone are frequent urination, pain in any side of the back, cloudy urine, blood in urine, unusual smell of urine, nausea, and vomiting.

High uric acid symptoms in females include fatigue and joint pain. As the uric acid increases in females, uric acid crystals accumulate in the joint areas, especially in fingers, ankles, knees, and big toes, which causes sudden and intense pain that may feel worse at nighttime.

Uric acid levels that indicate risk and can be dangerous are considered above 7.0 mg/dL in males and 6.0 mg/dL in females. Uric acid levels above these ranges indicate hyperuricemia. Significant increases in uric acid levels can lead to kidney stones, gout, and kidney diseases, or even kidney failure.  

A uric acid level above the normal range indicates hyperuricemia; however, a level above 8.5 mg/dL is considered extremely high and increases the risk of kidney stones and gout. 

Uric acid levels exceeding 10 mg/dL are usually considered dangerous levels and may necessitate immediate medical attention, particularly when accompanied by back pain, swelling, and pain in joints.

High uric acid levels are directly associated with gout, kidney stones, kidney disease or failure, and cardiovascular disease. If you are diagnosed with high uric acid levels or are concerned about your uric acid levels, consult your healthcare provider for an accurate diagnosis and proper treatment.

High uric acid levels are known as hyperuricemia, which contribute to various health conditions, including gout and kidney problems. Moreover, it is also associated with metabolic syndrome.

Gout causes inflammation and pain in joints, especially the big toe. High uric acid concentration in the body allows the formation of uric acid crystals in the joints, leading to sudden and severe pain, swelling, and redness in joints, particularly in the big toe.

Uric acid becomes crystallized in the kidneys, which form stones in the kidney and cause intense pain, urinary tract blockage, and nausea. Chronic hyperuricemia can cause kidney dysfunction, leading to chronic kidney disease.

Hyperuricemia or elevated uric acid levels in the body may increase the risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, and stroke.

Uric acid levels above the normal range are linked to metabolic syndrome, which involves obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, and increased risk of cardiovascular issues.

Uric acid levels can be reduced to normal through a combination of diet, lifestyle modifications, maintaining hydration, and weight management. If your uric acid levels are high, you need to increase fiber intake, avoid purine-containing foods, and maintain adequate hydration. Moreover, weight management, stress management, and regular exercise can be helpful for maintaining normal uric acid levels.

• Avoid purine-containing foods (organ meats, certain seafood, red meat) and look for a low purine diet.
• Limit fructose intake (corn syrup-containing processed foods and drinks)
• Eat fiber-rich foods (fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole grains)
• Add low-fat dairy products to your diet
• Consume vitamin C-rich foods and supplements.

• Drink an adequate amount of water throughout the day (prevents crystal formation)
• Avoid consuming alcohol, especially beer, as it can interfere with the elimination of uric acid, increasing its levels in the body.

• Incorporate regular exercise, walking, yoga, and swimming into your daily routine.
• Maintain a healthy weight to normalize uric acid production.

Stress can significantly affect kidney function and trigger inflammation. Common stress management techniques such as meditation, yoga, and breathing exercises can help reduce your stress levels.

The good news is, you can manage your uric acid levels through easy and simple home remedies such as:

Simplex mix one spoon of apple cider vinegar in water and drink it every day. It helps the breakdown of uric acid.

Just like apple cider vinegar, you can drink a glass of water with one tablespoon of lemon juice as it alkalizes the body and allows smooth elimination of uric acid.

Drinking turmeric tea and adding turmeric to your diet can ease inflammation.

Eating cherries and drinking cherry juice regularly can help manage uric acid levels in the body.

You can treat elevated uric acid levels at home and reduce uric acid naturally by integrating natural remedies, dietary changes, avoiding the foods that trigger uric acid production, and monitoring your uric acid levels regularly.

• Drink a sufficient amount of water daily, as it allows the kidneys to remove the excess uric acid from the body.
• Eat citrus fruits such as lemons and oranges, as these can significantly help improve the elimination of uric acid.
• Some studies found that eating cherries regularly can decrease uric acid levels and also help prevent gout flares.
• Consuming ginger and turmeric tea or adding these ingredients to your diet can help reduce pain and inflammation due to high uric acid.
• Consume more high-fiber foods such as whole grains and legumes.
• Maintain a healthy weight as it improves kidney function and encourages uric acid metabolism. Avoid or limit alcohol consumption, particularly beer, high purine foods, processed foods, and sugary drinks.
• Regularly monitor your acid levels, especially if you have symptoms or associated risk factors.

Uric acid is a waste product of the body; accumulation may cause kidney dysfunction and other health concerns. Elevated uric acid levels in the body indicate various health conditions such as gout and kidney stones. 

However, you can normalize the levels at home through home remedies. Maintaining proper hydration, dietary modifications, avoiding purine-containing foods, and limiting alcohol can help manage uric acid levels in the body. High uric acid treatment depends on the root cause and requires a doctor’s supervision.

If you have symptoms of high uric acid, such as joint inflammation or back pain, it is advised to consult your healthcare provider for proper uric acid management and seek the right treatment.