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If you are over sixty and have recently found elevated uric acid levels during a check-up, you might be worried. You may start thinking whether your high meat consumption has led to the high uric acid levels. In fact, there is a significant relationship between high uric acid and diet, especially meat consumption. Today, let’s discuss this topic and hope to provide you with some insights and help.
Why does eating meat lead to high uric acid? Foods like red meat, offal, and seafood have high purine content. Purines metabolize into uric acid in our bodies, so consuming too many purines can increase uric acid levels.
If the kidneys are not able to effectively process uric acid, it can accumulate and may lead to hyperuricemia, and in severe cases, it can cause gout. For example, after retiremen, Lao Li couldn’t go a day without meat, especially high-purine foods like pig liver and beef, resulting in extremely high uric acid levels and eventually developing gout, making it not worth the risk.
In addition to meat consumption, what other factors in the diet can affect uric acid levels? Firstly, alcohol consumption. Alcohol, especially beer, also contains high purine levels. Drinking alcohol increases uric acid production and hinders its excretion, leading to elevated uric acid levels.
Sweetened beverages and high fructose foods can also increase uric acid production. Fructose promotes the breakdown of purines in the body, increasing uric acid production. For example, Xiao Chen, who enjoys cola and sweets, always had high uric acid levels. His doctor advised him to give up these dietary habits and gradually his uric acid levels decreased.
High uric acid not only triggers gout but also affects other organs in the body. Prolonged high uric acid can damage kidney function, increase the risk of kidney stones, and may lead to cardiovascular diseases like hypertension and coronary heart disease.
Limit daily meat intake to a moderate amount, especially red meat, offal, and seafood, and opt for white meats like chicken and fish, which have lower purine content.
Include foods rich in dietary fiber in your diet, such as vegetables, fruits, and whole grains, which not only have low purine content but also help promote uric acid excretion. For example, Aunt Zhang changed her diet after retirement, started eating more vegetables and fruits, reduced red meat consumption, and successfully controlled her uric acid levels without experiencing gout again.
Millet congee is a very suitable healthy food for the elderly. Millet is rich in dietary fiber, B vitamins, and various minerals, offering high nutritional value. Millet congee has a low glycemic index, providing steady energy without causing sharp blood sugar fluctuations.
For elderly individuals with diabetes, millet congee is an ideal choice. It also aids in stomach nourishment, promotes gastrointestinal motility, and aids digestion, especially for those with poor gastrointestinal function.
In addition, potassium in millet helps regulate body fluid balance, facilitates the excretion of excess uric acid, and lowers uric acid levels. For instance, Lao Zhang drinks a bowl of millet congee every morning and finds that not only does his appetite improve but also his uric acid levels decrease, boosting his overall well-being.
Buckwheat noodles are rich in dietary fiber, high-quality protein, vitamins E, and minerals, particularly magnesium and zinc, beneficial for overall health. Buckwheat noodles contain a unique compound called rutin, known for its strong antioxidant properties that protect blood vessels, reduce blood lipids, and blood sugar.
For the elderly, buckwheat noodles provide sufficient nutrition, help in weight control, and prevent cardiovascular diseases. Importantly, buckwheat has low purine content, preventing an increase in uric acid levels. After switching to buckwheat noodles, Lao Li not only lost weight, but also effectively controlled his blood sugar and uric acid, improving his overall health.
Water spinach is a vegetable ideal for summer consumption, rich in vitamin C, beta-carotene, and potassium, with cooling, detoxifying, diuretic, and anti-inflammatory effects. Cold water spinach salad is not only refreshing and delicious but also aids in eliminating excess uric acid in the body, preventing gout.
The fiber in water spinach promotes intestinal motility, preventing constipation. Water spinach is a great choice for the elderly, as it supplements vitamins and minerals without increasing the burden of uric acid. For example, Lao Wang eats cold water spinach salad a few times a week and notices significant improvement in his digestion and stable uric acid levels.
Facing treatment and health management for high uric acid levels, elderly individuals need a comprehensive approach to control uric acid levels and lead a high-quality life in their golden years.
Healthy eating is crucial, focusing on balanced nutrition and reducing high-purine foods. Coupled with regular exercise like walking or swimming, which not only helps maintain vitality but also aids in metabolism, naturally assisting in uric acid control.
Regularly visit the hospital for check-ups and discuss health conditions with doctors for a more scientific disease management. In simple terms, with a balanced diet, moderate exercise, good social interactions, and medical support, one can fully enjoy a quality and healthy life in their later years.
What are your thoughts on high uric acid levels? Feel free to share in the comments section!
References
[1] Liu Siyuan. Causal association of four lipid components with gout: A Mendel Randomized Study, Chongqing Medicine, 2024-06-20
