Mr. Wang is 36 years old this year, previously diagnosed with high uric acid, but without any discomfort, he did not pay much attention.
Recently, Mr. Wang has been frequently experiencing lower back pain, swelling in his calves, and thinking he was just tired. However, these days, he has been feeling it extremely difficult to urinate, so he finally went to the hospital for a check-up.
The results showed a uric acid level as high as 890 µmol/L, with signs of kidney failure, requiring dialysis treatment.
Mr. Wang was very puzzled as he does not eat seafood, so why is his uric acid so high?
After conversing, it was found that Mr. Wang is the owner of a restaurant specializing in lamb soup. Since he is too busy to cook in the morning, he often drinks lamb soup, which happens to suit his taste.
Gout “culprit” not limited to seafood, kidney specialist: over-indulgence may lead to kidney damage
Lamb soup has been a significant factor in Mr. Wang’s worsening condition and subsequent kidney failure.
Lamb meat itself contains a high amount of purine. Regular consumption may lead to elevated uric acid levels. Additionally, during the stewing process, purines dissolve in the water, increasing in concentration over time.
If a high uric acid patient frequently consumes lamb soup, uric acid continues to accumulate, triggering gout and damaging kidney health, leading to gouty kidney disease.
Furthermore, there are two vegetables that individuals with high uric acid should avoid:
1. Tomatoes
Although tomatoes are not considered high-purine foods, the glutamic acid content contributes to purine synthesis, leading to increased uric acid levels. The phenolic acid in tomatoes can hinder uric acid excretion, further escalating uric acid levels, triggering gout or kidney damage.
2. Spinach
While spinach is an alkaline food, it contains a particular component.
The abundant oxalic acid in spinach easily combines with calcium in the body, forming calcium oxalate and worsening crystallization, potentially causing kidney stones. In cases of concurrent nephritis, it can cause cloudy urine.
If three symptoms appear, the kidneys may not be functioning well:
1. Edema
When the kidney function of high uric acid patients decreases, abnormal water retention occurs. Accumulation of water leads to common edema in the lower legs, eyelids, ankles, and, if the condition worsens, generalized edema.
2. Lower back pain
High uric acid levels continuously crystallize, leading to crystal formation. As the kidneys are the primary excretory organs, the constant accumulation of uric acid can accelerate the formation of kidney stones. Patients may experience lower back pain, weakness, and fatigue.
3. Oliguria or anuria
This is a common manifestation of gouty kidney damage. Elevated uric acid leads to urate crystal buildup in the kidneys. If the ureter is blocked by crystals, it can decrease urine output or even lead to no urine output.
To lower uric acid levels, regularly practice these three things:
1. Adjust diet
2. Balance work and rest
Exercise helps accelerate uric acid excretion, but ensure it is not too intense. Vigorous physical activity can hinder uric acid excretion, so moderate exercise is recommended to maintain for at least 30 minutes without straining the body.
3. Stay hydrated
Drinking water reduces uric acid concentration and speeds up its metabolism, a crucial way to prevent crystal formation. It is suggested that gout and high uric acid patients, with normal heart and kidney function, consume at least 2000ml of water daily.
