Everyone is familiar with the “three highs,” which refer to high blood pressure, high blood sugar, and high blood lipid levels. Now, there is also a “fourth high,” which poses a threat to most modern individuals.
In fact, this “fourth high” refers to high uric acid. High uric acid is the main cause of gout, a condition caused by an excessive accumulation of uric acid in the body. Surveys show that the incidence of this condition is higher after menopause, and most patients are male.
The main flare-ups of gout occur in areas such as the knee joints and the big toe. During a gout attack, these areas can become swollen, hot, and extremely painful. In severe cases, individuals can be awakened from their sleep due to the pain.
Individuals with gout need to pay special attention to their diet, as they must absolutely avoid foods that are high in purines.
1. Alcohol
When alcohol is metabolized in liver tissue, it absorbs a large amount of moisture, leading to a higher concentration of blood, which causes the immune system in the body to overreact and results in inflammation. Therefore, drinking can easily lead to gout.
This is particularly true for those who already have high uric acid. Long-term drinking can exacerbate the burden on the kidneys, worsening the gout. It is advisable for everyone to drink less alcohol, especially for those with gout.
2. Animal Organs
Many people enjoy eating animal liver because they find it very tasty. However, did you know that animal livers contain a large amount of purines? If individuals with gout consume it regularly, it can lead to elevated uric acid levels in the body, and uric acid can spread throughout the body in the form of urate, leading to the onset of gout.
3. Bone Broth
People in Guangdong particularly enjoy drinking bone broth, especially during winter when they boil it with various pork or beef bones. Bone broth is indeed very nourishing, but for individuals with gout, it is best to limit consumption. First, bone broth is made from boiling bones, which contain a lot of fat and purines. If gout patients consume a large amount of bone broth, it not only fails to nourish the body significantly but can also pose dangers.
4. High-Fructose Foods
Gout patients should also pay attention to their diet. In addition to avoiding foods high in purines, they should also limit their intake of sugary foods. Some fruits, like pears and mangoes, contain high amounts of fructose. Excessive consumption of these can lead to increased fructose levels in the blood, resulting in elevated uric acid levels in urine and blood, which can further worsen gout.
Patients can consume more fresh fruits and vegetables that are low in fructose. They can also eat more cherries, raspberries, and similar fruits, as these help reduce uric acid levels and decrease the frequency of flare-ups. Gout is closely related to personal dietary habits and lifestyles. Drinking less alcohol, resting early, and cultivating good habits are important.
