Uric acid is a factor in conditions like gout and kidney stones. It's also essential to the animal body, plants and the rest of the natural environment. For organic gardeners considering urine as a fertilizer, here are facts about uric acid and the proper way to pee on plants.
What is Uric Acid?
Uric acid is a nitrogenous compound. A colorless, odorless crystal slightly soluble in water, it's a natural byproduct of the metabolism of purines, substances found in foods and drink such as organ meats, sardines and beer.
Purines are water-soluble organic compounds naturally present in the human body. Uric acid is created when the body breaks down purines. After formation, uric acid dissolves in the blood, is filtered by the kidneys and eventually gets excreted in urine.
Peeing on Plants
Urine contains important nutrients for plant growth, including carbon, phosphorous, potassium and nitrogen. Essentially it's a nutritious plant food and the occasional wee can help plants grow. Pee on the soil rather than the plants themselves.
Human urine can be used as liquid plant food especially during the main vegetative period of growth to supply extra nitrogen. Plants like maize and green leafy vegetables are particularly responsive. However, over-watering this way can also elevate sodium and cause plant death.
Lovable as dogs are, avoid using dog urine. Dogs have a higher uric acid salt content and can seriously damage plants. Urine of dogs also injures tree trunks, exposing the trees to diseases, pests, dehydration and nutrient loss, especially if several dogs pee on the same tree.
Human urine can range in pH from 4.5 (acid) to 8 (alkaline). You're aiming for a soil pH of 6.0 - 7.5. Before tinkling, be sure to test the soil and the urine with litmus paper. Acidic urine lowers soil over-alkalinity and vice versa.
Above: It's actually dangerous to pee in the pool. When urine combines with chlorine, it forms chemical compounds harmful to eyes, skin and respiratory system.
To raise alkaline levels in urine, increase intake of vegetables, lemon juice, lime juice and alkaline water. Decrease intake of meat and non-dairy animal protein, sodium, sugar, and free fructose, especially from high-fructose corn syrup.
To raise acid levels, eat foods high in purines. These include organ meats, dried beans and peas, and fish, such as anchovies, herring, sardines, and mackerel. Increase salt intake.
Fermented urine is also a popular fixer for blue woad dye.
Uric Acid, Kidney Stones & Human Health
Balanced levels of uric acid are essential for health. High uric acid levels and their associated conditions such as gout, diabetes and kidney stones affect up to 5% of the adult population. Conversely, low levels might indicate neurological issues.
White men have the highest kidney stone incidence rate. Black men and women have the lowest. Countries most affected by kidney stones are India, China, Russia and Armenia.
High levels of uric acid, or hyperuricemia, can trigger gout, type 2 diabetes and other health issues. The causes of this condition can vary.
Certain medications like thiazide diuretics can interfere with renal clearance, raising blood uric acid levels.
Diet may be a factor. Consuming high amounts of purine, high-fructose corn syrup, and sucrose can lead to elevated uric acid levels.
Temporary spikes in uric acid levels can happen due to fasting or rapid weight loss.
Another reason for increased serum uric acid levels is reduced excretion through the kidneys.
Tumor lysis syndrome, a metabolic issue associated with some cancers or chemotherapy, can result in the release of nucleobase and potassium into the bloodstream.
Disrupted NADH/NAD+ ratio, known as pseudohypoxia, can be caused by diabetic hyperglycemia and excessive alcohol consumption.
In August 2006, Canadian Donald Winfield sets the record for passing the highest number of kidney stones naturally, a total of 5,704. The most kidney stones removed through surgery up to now is 728, during a three-hour operation on Mangilal Jain of India on January 27, 2004.
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