What Causes High Uric Acid in the Body? Common Causes Explained

Did a sudden toe flare or a surprise lab result catch you off guard? You might be wondering what causes high uric acid in the body. Well, you are not alone. Moreover, the answer often sits on your plate, in your glass, and in your kidneys. In this blog, we cover foods that increase uric acid, plus drinks, health problems, and habits. We also ask what is the main cause of gout? Finally, we answer how can you lower high uric acid? Let’s start with the basics.

What Is Uric Acid, and Why Does It Build Up?

First, let’s clear up the basics. Uric acid is a normal waste product. Your body makes it when it breaks down purines. Purines live in your cells and in many foods. Normally, your kidneys filter uric acid, and you pass it out in urine.

However, things go wrong when the system slips. Your body can make too much uric acid. Or your kidneys can clear too little. In fact, the second problem shows up more often. So, what causes uric acid to increase in your blood? Usually, a mix of both does the damage. Put simply, that gap between making and clearing explains what causes high uric acid in the body.

According to CDC, extra uric acid can form joint crystals and cause severe pain and swelling. Our guide on uric acid levels and normal ranges shows what to expect. Likewise, this post explains what level of uric acid is dangerous. Next, let’s look at your plate.

Which Foods Push Your Uric Acid Up?

Food plays a big part in what causes high uric acid in the body. Some choices raise your levels faster than others. For a longer list, read our post on foods that cause gout. Meanwhile, here are the main foods that increase uric acid.

Red Meat and Organ Meats:

Red meat and organ meats top the list of foods that increase uric acid. Liver, beef, and lamb carry a lot of purines. As a result, your body makes more uric acid after these meals. A burger now and then rarely causes trouble. However, daily steak adds up fast.

Seafood and Uric Acid:

Seafood and uric acid have a close link too. The CDC names anchovies, sardines, mussels, scallops, trout, and tuna as seafood to limit. However, you do not have to quit fish for good. Instead, eat smaller portions and enjoy them less often. Portion size decides how much seafood and uric acid trouble you face. That small change matters when you ask what causes high uric acid in the body.

Can Sugar Increase Uric Acid?

Yes, it can. Fructose, the sugar in soda and many snacks, pushes your body to make more uric acid. Likewise, the NIH lists sugary drinks as a gout risk factor. So, can sugar increase uric acid in a big way? Soda and sweet juice are big parts of what causes high uric acid in the body. Therefore, swap them for water first.

Can Alcohol Cause High Uric Acid?

Yes, it can. Can alcohol cause high uric acid even if you drink only on weekends? It can, especially with beer and hard liquor. First, alcohol slows how fast your kidneys clear uric acid. Second, beer adds purines of its own.

Moreover, alcohol dries you out, and that makes things worse. A heavy night can also trigger a gout flare. That is one more piece of what causes high uric acid in the body. So, can alcohol cause high uric acid in a big way? It can, so cut back if your numbers run high. Your kidneys come next, because they do the heavy lifting.

Can Kidney Problems Cause High Uric Acid?

Yes, they can. Can kidney problems cause high uric acid? Your kidneys remove most of the uric acid your body makes. However, weak kidneys clear it slowly. As a result, uric acid builds up in your blood.

Moreover, the link works both ways. High uric acid can lead to kidney stones. Also, our post on uric acid crystals in urine lists warning signs. Early kidney disease often causes no symptoms, so a blood test may give you the first clue. Poor kidney function ranks high among what causes high uric acid in the body.

Is Dehydration Behind Your High Numbers?

Often, yes. Dehydration and high uric acid go hand in hand. When you drink too little water, your kidneys pass less uric acid in urine. Moreover, heat, heavy sweating, and long workouts make it worse.

Many people forget to drink on busy days. Thirst shows up late, so do not wait for it. Dark yellow urine also tells you to drink more. Low fluid intake adds to what causes high uric acid in the body. Remember, dehydration and high uric acid are easy to fix. So, sip water through the day, and keep a bottle at your desk or in your bag.

What Else Raises Uric Acid Without You Noticing?

Sometimes the cause hides outside your plate. Besides food and drink, several other factors explain what causes uric acid to increase. Check this list:

• Extra weight, especially around your waist
• High blood pressure and diabetes
• A family history of gout
• Water pills (diuretics), low-dose aspirin, and high-dose niacin
• Psoriasis and other conditions that speed up cell turnover
• Menopause, since women rarely get gout before it

However, never stop a medicine on your own. Instead, talk to your doctor first. In addition, women often notice different signs than men. Our guide on high uric acid symptoms in females covers them.

What Is the Main Cause of Gout?

What is the main cause of gout? In short, too much uric acid over a long time. Eventually, it forms sharp, needle-like crystals in a joint. Then your body reacts with swelling, redness, heat, and pain. Often, the big toe takes the first hit. Moreover, flares tend to start at night.

However, gout can strike other joints too. For example, read about gout in the ankle or heel pain in the morning due to uric acid. For the full picture, see our post on hyperuricemia and gout.

Still, many people with high levels never get gout. Knowing what causes high uric acid in the body helps you lower that risk. Left alone, flares come more often and last longer. So, what can you do about it?

How Can You Lower High Uric Acid?

How can you lower high uric acid? Start with small, steady changes. Moreover, you do not need a perfect diet. Consistency matters more than strict rules.

Daily Habits That Help:

Try these steps first to tackle what causes high uric acid in the body:

1. Drink water all day, not just at meals.

2. Swap red meat and organ meats for eggs, beans, or low-fat dairy.

3. Limit sardines, anchovies, and mussels.

4. Skip sugary drinks and sweet snacks.

5. Cut back on beer and liquor.

6. Lose extra weight slowly, because crash diets can backfire.

7. Stay active. The CDC suggests 150 minutes of moderate activity each week.

In addition, our guide on how to reduce uric acid naturally gives more tips.

When to See a Doctor

However, lifestyle changes do not always work alone. Doctors can check what causes high uric acid in the body in your case. They can also prescribe medicine that lowers uric acid and prevents flares. Therefore, book a blood test if you have joint pain, kidney stones, or a family history of gout.