You probably know your weight. Maybe your blood pressure. But your uric acid level? Most men have never asked. New research suggests it deserves a spot on your radar — not just for joint comfort, but for your overall health picture. Here's what uric acid is, what pushes it up, and how to keep yours in a healthy range.
What is uric acid?
Uric acid is a natural waste product your body creates when it breaks down purines — compounds found in your own cells and in foods like red meat, organ meats, shellfish and beer. Your kidneys filter most of it out through urine. When the body makes too much or clears too little, levels climb; clinicians commonly define elevated serum uric acid (hyperuricemia) as above 420 µmol/L, roughly 7 mg/dL, as described in a 2026 study in the International Journal of Endocrinology. However, reference ranges vary by lab, sex and guideline, so your doctor is the right person to interpret your number.
Why men should pay attention:
- Men are affected more often. Research on gout notes it occurs far more frequently in men than in women, with some Asian studies reporting a male-to-female ratio of about 8:1, according to a study on PubMed Central.
- Hormones play a role. The 2026 International Journal of Endocrinology study examined how sex hormones relate to uric acid differently in men and women.
- Weight matters. The same PubMed Central study notes that gout risk in men rose significantly at a BMI of 25 or higher.
What did the 2026 UK Biobank uric acid study find?
Higher uric acid levels were associated with a greater likelihood of multiple chronic conditions, especially cardiometabolic ones. The study, indexed on PubMed and published May 25, 2026, used data from more than 400,000 UK Biobank participants to examine uric acid alongside 36 chronic conditions. Both higher uric acid and gout were linked to higher odds of multimorbidity — living with two or more long-term conditions — and to faster transitions between stages of cardiometabolic disease. However, this is observational data; it shows an association, and the authors noted some effects were particularly pronounced in women.
The takeaway isn't panic — it's awareness. Uric acid is one more number that reflects how your metabolism is running, alongside blood sugar, blood pressure and cholesterol.
What raises uric acid levels?
Diet, alcohol, body weight, hydration and kidney function are the main everyday drivers of uric acid levels. A 2026 review in Rheumatology & Autoimmunity cited a meta-analysis of five large U.S. cohort studies in which seven dietary factors — beer, liquor, wine, potatoes, poultry, soft drinks and red meat (beef, pork and lamb) — were associated with higher uric acid in both men and women. Genetics and certain medications also play a role. However, diet alone doesn't explain every case, which is why lab testing beats guessing.
| Tends to raise uric acid | Generally friendlier choices |
|---|---|
| Beer and liquor | Water, sparkling water, unsweetened tea |
| Sugary soft drinks | Whole fruit, especially cherries |
| Red meat and organ meats | Eggs, low-fat dairy, plant proteins |
| Large portions of shellfish | Vegetables and whole grains |
| Dehydration | Steady water intake through the day |
How can men support healthy uric acid levels?
Supporting healthy uric acid levels starts with hydration, moderating alcohol and sugary drinks, managing body weight and eating mostly whole foods. These habits help your kidneys clear uric acid efficiently and also support the cardiometabolic markers the UK Biobank study tracked. If you've never had your level checked, ask for it at your next blood panel. A targeted supplement can support kidney and urinary health as part of that routine. However, anyone with gout symptoms, kidney problems or a high reading should work with a doctor — supplements are not a treatment.
Your uric acid game plan:
- Know your number. Ask your doctor to add uric acid to your next lab work.
- Drink more water. Hydration supports your kidneys' filtering work.
- Rethink your drinks. Cut back on beer, liquor and sugary sodas first.
- Rebalance your plate. Less red and organ meat, more plants and dairy.
- Support your kidneys daily. Add a targeted formula to your routine.
That's why we created FLOW ~SURE — a daily formula designed to support kidney and urinary health and help maintain healthy uric acid levels already within the normal range.
Pair it with Formula R3 Advanced: The Male Edge for a complete daily foundation that supports energy, prostate health and overall vitality.
The bottom line
Uric acid is the number most men overlook — and new research shows it's tied to the bigger metabolic picture. Get it checked, drink your water, watch the beer and soda, and give your kidneys daily support.
Know your number. Support your flow. Stay ahead of it. Shop FLOW ~SURE →
Related reading: Does Coffee Affect Testosterone? What a 2026 Study Found
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Individual results may vary. If you have gout, kidney disease, or take medication, talk with your healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.
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