Gout, gout, unbearable pain!
The primary cause of gout is the excessive accumulation of uric acid in the body, which cannot be excreted normally, leading to the formation of uric acid salt crystals at the joints, worsening the symptoms of joint pain.
Foods with high purine content, with an edible portion exceeding 500 milligrams per 100 grams, are considered severely excessive purine foods and should be avoided by individuals with high uric acid levels.
For individuals with gout, it is essential to avoid the following categories of “high purine” foods to help stabilize uric acid levels. Overindulgence in these foods will only exacerbate the onset of gout and its complications, severely impacting health.
Which foods should individuals with high uric acid levels avoid?
Slow-cooked nutritious soups
During illness, homes often prepare nutritious soups, which can have a beneficial effect on the body if consumed in moderation. However, excessive intake is detrimental to health. Nutritionally rich foods not only contribute to obesity but also destabilize uric acid levels within the body.
Consuming too much nutritious soup can increase cholesterol levels in the body, further burden the kidneys, and elevate the risk of various complications. Therefore, slow-cooked nutritious soups are considered one of the main culprits of gout and should be avoided.
Spicy foods
Research indicates that frequent consumption of spicy foods significantly raises uric acid levels. Spicy foods contain salt paste, whether chili blocks or pepper, both of which are highly detrimental to uric acid levels.
While these foods are delicious and can enhance appetite, excessive consumption can lead to unstable uric acid levels in the body. This can result in extreme thirst, necessitating significant water intake to dilute the uric acid.
Fermented flour products
When making steamed buns or steamed buns, many people add a large amount of baking powder to enhance the soft texture. Such dietary habits are truly detrimental to health.
An excessive intake of baking powder is disadvantageous for stabilizing uric acid levels. Therefore, individuals should consume fewer flour products of this nature and opt for rice, which is more conducive to stabilizing uric acid. Consider incorporating a mix of coarse and fine grains in your diet.
High-purine foods
Beef, lamb, sausages, dog meat, and similar foods contain high levels of purine substances, excessive consumption of which is harmful to health, potentially exacerbating the onset of gout and related complications.
Many people adore hot pot meals, including a variety of meats, seafood, and other foods, unknowingly ingesting purines that enter the body and worsen gout symptoms.
Fungi foods
Golden needle mushrooms, mushrooms, and shiitake mushrooms are foods rich in purine substances. While they do not contain as many purines as meats, their significance should not be overlooked.
While fungi foods may not cause discomfort for gout sufferers, individuals with naturally high uric acid levels must be cautious about excessive consumption. Overindulgence may increase the risk of various complications; therefore, it is advised to control the amount consumed.
Alcoholic beverages
Alcoholic beverages are popular among the public and are perceived to enhance any occasion. However, alcoholic beverages suppress uric acid excretion and may even directly promote uric acid generation, hindering gout recovery.
Some individuals avoid alcoholic beverages but opt for soft drinks like cola or Sprite. Though delicious, they are also detrimental to uric acid excretion and may burden the kidneys. It is recommended that individuals increase their consumption of plain water.
Three abnormal signs indicating elevated uric acid levels and imminent gout onset
1. Joint swelling
Elevated uric acid levels in the body can accumulate in joints and cartilage, leading to intense joint pain, swelling, and rapid-onset symptoms, especially at night, causing sudden, excruciating joint pain, likely indicating elevated uric acid levels.
2. Abnormal urine color
When urine is dark like tea or frothy before bedtime, it calls for increased vigilance, indicating likely elevated uric acid levels. Uric acid salt crystallization accumulation can affect the color and form of urine, signaling potential kidney issues. It is essential to promptly seek medical examination and refrain from delay.
3. Kidney colic pain
Uric acid excretion primarily relies on the kidneys. Once uric acid levels are high and strain the kidneys, impairing kidney health, it can cause kidney colic pain, hematuria, and other symptoms. Increased caution is advised when such conditions arise, likely indicating elevated uric acid levels affecting kidney health, warranting immediate medical evaluation.
To stabilize uric acid levels, adhere to these five practices:
1. Hydration – Drink plenty of tea
Individuals with high uric acid levels must increase their water intake to dilute the uric acid concentration and promote urination. Maintaining adequate water intake is crucial irrespective of the season, especially during warmer periods.
Spring is approaching, with temperatures rising, leading to increased perspiration. Therefore, consuming more hot tea can expedite uric acid elimination, strengthening overall physical health.
2. Urination – Avoid holding it in
Uric acid is primarily excreted from the body through urine. It is essential to promptly respond to urges to urinate and avoid withholding, as urinary retention can hinder timely uric acid elimination, leading to intra-body accumulation.
Accumulating harmful substances in the body can result in uric acid salt formation, impeding kidney function and potentially causing renal complications. Thus, both men and women should refrain from the habit of withholding urine.
3. Sleep – Avoid all-nighters
Burning the midnight oil is a common practice that jeopardizes overall health and is counterproductive to gout management. Hence, it is imperative to discontinue this habit.
Prolonged periods of sleep deprivation can disrupt endocrine balance and cause purine metabolic irregularities. Managing one’s sleep schedule is vital, aiming to achieve deep sleep before 11:00 PM and ensuring 7 to 8 hours of rest nightly.
4. Exercise – Stay active
Individuals with elevated uric acid levels must engage in moderate physical activity. Prolonged sedentary behavior can lead to sodium and water retention in the body, disrupting blood circulation and impeding normal uric acid metabolism.
Long-term physical inactivity can contribute to weight gain and heighten the risk of various diseases. Hence, individuals with elevated uric acid levels should opt for aerobic exercises like walking, brisk walking, tai chi, square dancing, etc., and avoid strenuous physical activities.
5. Monitoring – Track the indicators
Individuals with gout or elevated uric acid levels must regularly monitor their uric acid levels. In many cases, elevated uric acid levels may not manifest noticeable symptoms, leading to oversight.
Upon experiencing symptoms like gout, joint inflammation, renal colic pain, it signifies the onset of complications, significantly impacting health. Therefore, it is crucial to take these signs seriously.
