New culprit identified in metabolic syndrome

[Northerner]

Uric acid may play a role in causing metabolic syndrome, a cluster of risk factors that increases the risk of heart disease and type 2 diabetes, a new study indicates. Uric acid is a normal waste product removed from the body by the kidneys and intestines and released in urine and stool. Elevated levels of uric acid are known to cause gout, an accumulation of the acid in the joints. High levels also are associated with the markers of metabolic syndrome.

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/08/140808123941.htm

 

[bill hopkinson]

Uric acid is quite a nasty chemical.

Because it is diprotic, two acids in one, it reacts in many kinds of ways with other things in the body, some benign, and some bad. The biggest problem is that when the concentration of uric acid reaches a certain level it crystallises out, leaving crystals in the joints for example - gout.

It comes from the breakdown of purine, an essential high nitrogen compound found in our RNA and DNA, and in many foods that are good for us, mainly high protein foods.

As ever, we need purine, but not to excess. High protein diets are a risk, and don't overdo the offal.

 

[Vicsetter]

Almost by definition a Low carb diet probably means a higher than normal protein diet.
Hands up all those with elevated uric acid (you have been tested at your annual check up, haven't you?) or diagnosed with gout. Thats me for a start.

 

[Vicsetter]

Didn't we just have research saying that whey protein was good for us?