Translated text:
Source: Shangguan News
Diet is the most important aspect of managing hyperuricemia. Scientific dietary management can help prevent sudden or rapid accumulation of blood uric acid, reduce uric acid crystal load, prevent recurrent gout attacks, and alter the course of gout. So, how should one with hyperuricemia eat? Let’s delve into it below.
01
Drink Plenty of Water
Patients with hyperuricemia are aware of the importance of drinking plenty of water. How much should one drink? For individuals with normal cardiac and renal function, a daily water intake of 2000ml-3000ml is recommended, as it aids in uric acid excretion. Currently, weak alkaline water available in supermarkets, such as soda water, can also be consumed in moderation. This type of weak alkaline water plays a certain role in reducing the formation of urate crystals and promoting uric acid excretion.
02
Coffee and Tea are Safe to Drink
Coffee is weakly alkaline and therefore has a uric acid-lowering effect. Patients with high uric acid levels can consume coffee in moderation, but should avoid strong coffee. Brewing tea requires the use of boiled water, thus while enjoying the fragrant taste of tea leaves, one is also consuming a significant amount of water. Adequate water intake can promote the body’s uric acid excretion and reduce blood uric acid levels. These natural beverages can be consumed without worry.
03
Avoid Alcohol, Fruit Juices
Regardless of the type of alcohol, the active ingredient is always ethanol. Enzymes required in the process of alcohol metabolism overlap with those involved in the conversion and metabolism of uric acid in the body. If there is an excess conversion towards alcohol, there will be less for uric acid conversion. Hence, it is not advisable to drink beer, liquor, or rice wine because even a small amount can affect uric acid levels. Fructose accelerates uric acid production and reduces kidney uric acid excretion. Therefore, sugary fruit juices and beverages containing fructose should be avoided, including freshly squeezed orange juice, apple juice, grape juice, pear juice, etc., as drinking fruit juices can lead to overconsumption without paying attention.
04
Consume Milk and Eggs Daily
Eggs and milk are considered low-purine foods. It is recommended to consume low-fat or skim milk not exceeding 300ml per day; limit egg yolk consumption to one per day, while egg whites can be consumed at a rate of 1-2 per day.
05
Select Meat Wisely
What meat to eat? How much to consume? Typically, fresh lean meat should be the main choice, with a daily meat intake not exceeding 100g. Limit the intake of high-purine meat such as offal, seafood, beef, lamb, and pork, and opt for low-purine options like chicken, duck, goose, freshwater fish, and other lean white meat. Cured or smoked meat contains high levels of purines and salt, and thus patients should avoid consuming them. Fatty meat is not suitable for consumption due to its high cholesterol and purine content. In terms of purine content, offal > red meat > white meat, thus prioritize white meat consumption. It is also recommended to discard the broth after boiling meat and avoid cooking methods that involve heavy oil, salt, or deep-frying.
06
Choose Vegetables Wisely
Most vegetables have low purine content and are alkaline foods, such as leafy greens, melons, tuberous vegetables, and root vegetables. Consuming vegetables not only helps supply the necessary nutrients to the body but also promotes the body’s metabolism, aiding in uric acid excretion.
It is often said that legumes have high purine levels. However, this refers to dried soybeans and black beans. During the processing of tofu, soy milk, vegetarian chicken, and dried tofu, some purines are removed with the water, reducing the risk associated with purine intake. 100g of plump tofu, equivalent to a palmful, contains 68mg of purines, which is only equivalent to the purine content of 25g of dried beans.
Managing diet is crucial for hyperuricemia. Careful selection of food types, cooking methods, and increased water intake aids in improved excretion. Scientific dietary habits can lead to a smoother journey without gout.
Shanghai Tongren Hospital Endocrinology Clinic Hours
Contributed by: Xiali Li
Reviewed by: Huang Shan, Jiang Xiaohong
