High uric acid can cause gout, but it’s also a marker for worsened metabolic health and gut health and a contributor to neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s. Consumption of purines can lead to high uric acid levels, but other ingredients in our food system are also culprits. Dr. David Perlmutter and Dr. Casey Means discuss the problems with high uric acid, the foods and drinks that can lead to higher levels, why uric acid can be a driver of worsened brain health, and concerns regarding leaky gut and the immune system.

Levels helps you see how food affects your health, empowering you with the tools needed to achieve health goals and improve healthspan. Levels Members gain access to the Levels app and continuous glucose monitors (CGMs), providing real-time feedback on how diet and lifestyle choices impact your metabolic health.

Look for new shows every month on A Whole New Level, where we have in-depth conversations with thought leaders about metabolic health.

🎙 What David Perlmutter, MD, & Casey Means, MD, discuss:

(04:36) — Why your uric acid level matters for metabolic health

(08:51) — Fructose is a driver of high uric acid levels

(13:55) — High-fructose corn syrup contributes to the obesity epidemic

(15:57) — The key difference between fruit and fruit juice

(25:42) — What is an optimal uric acid level?

(28:57) — Alcohol consumption contributes to higher uric acid levels

(32:32) — Ultra-processed foods contribute to higher uric acid levels

(41:13) — Gut permeability can challenge the immune system

(52:43) — Immunometabolism is the link between our metabolism and immune system

(59:26) — What causes immune cells in the brain to become dysfunctional?