Your kidneys are the essential organs necessary for the excretion of wastes and toxins in your blood. They help regulate your pH, and balance your body’s fluids. Uric acid is removed through your kidneys and excreted in urine. When your uric acid levels are elevated, the kidneys may not be able remove enough of the uric acid through your urine, so it builds up in your blood.
Uric Acid Can Damage Your Kidneys
Gout and these high levels of uric acid can damage your kidneys. This problem presents itself when uric acid crystals form kidney stones. These kidney stones can damage your kidneys by blocking and preventing waste removal. Uric acid crystals can scar your kidneys. The final result is chronic kidney disease for some men.
Chronic Kidney Disease
A seven year study completed and reported in the American College of Rheumatology Journal determined: “Patients with gout had 78% increased risk of development of Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) stage ≥ 3 compared to patients without gout. Risk of CKD development was highest in the first 2 years following gout diagnosis.” The study pointed out that the people who had the worst kidney functions and a link to gout had conditions like obesity, high blood sugar levels, high blood pressure, and were consuming more alcohol.
Methods to Prevent Gout and CKD
To keep your kidneys strong, there are general steps you can follow. Begin by taking the medications for gout that your medical provider has prescribed for you. Incorporate exercise every day by walking, biking, swimming, or tennis and don’t forget to work on flexibility and muscle strength. Keep your blood pressure and blood sugar in the normal range. Cut back on alcohol and high purine foods. Lose weight and drink more water. Be cautious of the amount of ibuprofen you take, because it can harm your kidneys.
