The saying goes: gout is the arthritis of the rich, also known as the “disease of the wealthy.”
The number of hyperuricemia patients in our country has reached 170 million, with gout patients exceeding 80 million, with a rapidly increasing trend each year.
Gout is a joint disease caused by the metabolic disorder of uric acid in the body, leading to the deposition of uric acid crystals in the joints. Gout has now become the second largest metabolic disease in our country after diabetes.
Gout, simply put, is the result of elevated levels of uric acid in the body. Uric acid in the body mainly comes from two sources: about 80% from the breakdown of amino acids and about 20% from the intake of exogenous purine-containing foods.
The liver is an important site of uric acid production. When the uric acid level in the body reaches 420μmol/L, hyperuricemia can be diagnosed. During an acute gout attack, uric acid deposits in the joints, leading to severe pain.
Many people experience symptoms of acute gout during sleep at night, mainly due to slow metabolism, reduced blood flow rate, increased blood concentration, which easily causes uric acid to accumulate locally, forming crystals and precipitating in the joints.
Gout “favors” these 5 types of people!
Men
Women have a congenital advantage because estrogen levels in women are relatively high in the body. Estrogen promotes uric acid excretion and inhibits arthritis. Men have more testosterone in their bodies, which inhibits the excretion of uric acid. Therefore, men are more prone to an increased risk of gout.
Obese individuals
When the fat content increases under the skin, in the abdomen, or around visceral organs in obese people, it can increase the purine content, leading to increased uric acid production. Among gout patients under 40 years old, 80% are overweight, so controlling body weight is crucial.
Middle-aged people
Between 40 and 55 years old is the peak age for gout. As people age, calcium loss due to aging leads to a reduction in cartilage tissue, increasing the risk of gout. After menopause, women’s estrogen levels decrease, also increasing the likelihood of gout.
High purine diet consumers
Some people have a preference for high-purine, high-protein, and high-fat foods. Those who consume alcohol and seafood regularly are more prone to gout and affect overall health. Therefore, controlling the intake of purine-rich foods is crucial.
Individuals with a family history
If parents have gout, the offspring’s incidence rate can reach 50% to 60%. Gout has a certain hereditary nature, so regular check-ups are essential.
Is gout becoming more “rampant”? Emphasis: two types of foods that should be put on the blacklist early, avoid overindulgence
Peanuts and similar foods
People with elevated uric acid levels should consume fewer peanuts and similar foods. Many people enjoy pairing peanuts and legumes with alcohol, finding them delicious. However, both contain purines, not less than animal offal.
Every 100 grams of peanuts contain 200 milliliters of purines, which is relatively high. Therefore, to stabilize uric acid levels in the body, one must control what they eat and avoid being reckless.
Fungi and mushroom foods
Fungi and mushroom foods have moderate purine content, but frequent consumption can lead to joint pain and hinder uric acid metabolism.
It is advisable to consume fewer fungi and mushroom foods in daily life to help stabilize uric acid levels. If gout symptoms have already appeared, avoid mushroom foods entirely, especially during hotpot meals – control your intake diligently.
Reminder: Drinking more of these 4 kinds of water stabilizes uric acid levels more effectively
Corn silk
Many people enjoy consuming corn but discard the corn silk. Corn silk is a potent natural health ingredient that may seem humble but offers significant benefits to the body.
For individuals with elevated uric acid or those already experiencing gout, drinking water infused with corn silk consistently can help lower uric acid levels, promote diuresis, and reduce swelling, aiding in stabilizing uric acid levels.
Xiān Cǎo (Houttuynia cordata)
Xiān Cǎo is a commonly used plant with high value in health benefits and various advantages for the human body. Smokers who regularly consume Houttuynia cordata-infused water can help clear lung heat and expel smoke toxins.
For individuals with high uric acid levels, regularly drinking Xiān Cǎo-infused water can aid in expelling excess uric acid from the body, alleviate gout symptoms, and make joints more comfortable. Therefore, Xiān Cǎo is also a natural enemy of gout.
Dandelion tea
Dandelion offers high health benefits to the body, aiding in clearing heat, detoxification, reduction of swelling, eliminating obstruction, and promoting diuresis. Regularly drinking brewed dandelion tea in daily life can help in antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory functions, reducing uric acid levels in the body.
Brewing dandelion tea helps combat bacteria and inflammation, regarded as a natural antibiotic, aiding in alleviating acute gout symptoms, improving arthritis, skin inflammation, etc. However, dandelion falls into the cold class, so do not consume excessively.
Two-grass tea (Plantago asiatica and Dianthus guestierianus)
Plantago Asiatica and Dianthus Guestierianus are excellent ingredients for promoting diuresis and lowering uric acid levels. Combining these two for brewing and consumption regularly helps accelerate body metabolism, eliminate excess uric acid, and dissolve uric acid salt crystals.
After expelling excess uric acid, it also helps reduce the burden on the kidneys, alleviate the metabolic burdens of various organs, stabilize uric acid levels, and gradually keep gout at bay.
