Hyperuricemia
What Does It Mean?
- Hyperuricemia is a condition characterized by elevated uric acid levels in the blood, which may lead to gout, kidney stones, and cardiovascular complications.
- It results from an imbalance between uric acid production and excretion, often influenced by diet, metabolic dysfunction, and renal clearance capacity.
- Functional medicine focuses on identifying root causes such as metabolic dysfunction, oxidative stress, inflammation, and impaired detoxification pathways.
How Did We Get Here?
Root Causes & Contributing Factors:
- Dietary Factors: High intake of purine-rich foods (red meat, shellfish), excessive fructose, and alcohol consumption.
- Renal Dysfunction: Impaired kidney function leads to reduced uric acid excretion.
- Metabolic Dysfunction: Insulin resistance and obesity increase uric acid production and retention.
- Inflammation & Oxidative Stress: Chronic inflammation can exacerbate hyperuricemia by impairing normal metabolic processes.
- Genetics & Epigenetics: Some individuals have genetic predispositions to inefficient uric acid metabolism.
Signs & Symptoms:
- Joint pain, swelling, and tenderness, commonly in the big toe (indicative of gout).
- Kidney stones or symptoms of renal impairment (flank pain, urinary issues).
- Fatigue and systemic inflammation-related symptoms.
- Elevated blood pressure or cardiovascular concerns related to high uric acid levels.
Lab Test Findings
The following lab tests help evaluate hyperuricemia and its underlying causes:
| Lab Test Name | Expected Changes | Optimal Ranges |
| Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN) | Increased | 10.00-16.00 mg/dL |
| Cholesterol, Serum | Increased | 180.00-220.00 mg/dL |
| Phosphorus (Phosphate) | Altered | 3.00-4.00 mg/dL |
| Uric Acid (Male) | Increased | 3.50-5.40 mg/dL |
How Do We Treat It?
Treatment aims to address root causes, improve uric acid metabolism, and support detoxification pathways.
Supplement Protocol
| Supplement | Function | Dosage & Frequency |
| Vita-Flux | Supports nitric oxide production and vascular health | 2 capsules 20-30 minutes prior to food, daily |
| Vita-Uric Pro | Helps reduce uric acid levels and supports kidney function | 3 capsules without food, daily |
| V-Pax | Enhances mitochondrial function and metabolic balance | 2 capsules without food, daily |
Additional Lifestyle Interventions:
- Dietary Adjustments: Reduce purine-rich foods, limit fructose intake, increase hydration.
- Kidney Support: Optimize renal function with adequate water intake and kidney-supportive nutrients.
- Metabolic Balance: Maintain healthy blood sugar levels to reduce uric acid retention.
- Inflammation Reduction: Incorporate anti-inflammatory foods and nutrients such as turmeric and omega-3 fatty acids.