【Fan Letter】Li Hai (alias), 38 years old, experienced his first gout attack three months ago. After just two days of medication, his pain was relieved. However, he completely ignored the doctor’s advice to avoid certain foods, especially consuming a large amount of seafood, as he was busy preparing for his sister Li Wan’s (alias) wedding.
“Xiao Hai, don’t eat too much, it’s not good for your gout!” his wife Lin Tao (alias), a woman who grew up by the seaside, worried but still helped him peel the shrimp shells. “It’s okay, it’s been a long time since I had some, I’ll just have a little today,” Li Hai smiled and replied, not taking it to heart. As a result, just two or three days later, Li Hai’s gout recurred prematurely, the pain unbearable, and he quickly took out his medication. However, shortly after, he was in so much pain that he almost fainted, and his foot was severely swollen. Lin Tao asked anxiously, “How did this happen? Didn’t you take your medication?” but he was also unsure of the reason.
Urgently seeking medical advice, the doctor explained, “Since gout patients are in a high uric acid state for a long time, some even exceeding 800-900, the body will consider this uric acid level as normal. When uric acid-lowering medication is taken, the uric acid level drops too quickly, and the body thinks it lacks uric acid. In order to maintain the original uric acid level, it will mobilize uric acid from the uric acid pool to dissolve into the blood, which may trigger a gout attack. This phenomenon is called crystal dissolution pain. You overlooked the importance of restoring uric acid to normal levels after that.” Li Hai realized his carelessness.
So, how should gout patients control their diet? Are there certain foods they should avoid?
【Doctor’s Reply】Gout is a disease related to hyperuricemia, typically characterized by acute attacks of joint inflammation, severe pain, often occurring in the big toe joint. While gout patients are generally thought to be related to excessive alcohol intake, not all gout patients drink alcohol. In fact, some people have a congenital metabolic abnormality that leads to elevated levels of uric acid in the body, increasing the risk of gout. This condition is known as primary hyperuricemia.
If uric acid is controlled below 300umol long-term through medication, urate crystals are excreted from the body, adjusting the body to an optimal state, then moderate consumption of seafood and beer will not trigger gout again.
Complications of Gout
In addition to causing acute joint inflammation, gout may also lead to a series of serious complications, the most serious being gouty kidney disease. In this case, uric acid crystals accumulate in the kidneys, leading to impaired kidney function, and may even cause kidney failure. Gout is also closely related to health issues such as hypertension, cardiovascular disease, and metabolic syndrome. Early prevention and treatment of gout are crucial for maintaining overall health.
Other than alcohol, there are these 5 types of foods
1. High Purine Foods
Purine is a chemical substance found in many foods that breaks down into uric acid in the body. Foods rich in purines, such as red meat, organ meats (such as liver and kidney), seafood (especially shrimp, crab, and eel), and some legumes (such as tofu and soybeans) can increase uric acid levels and the risk of gout.
2. High Sugar Diet
Research has found an association between a high sugar diet and gout. High sugar intake can lead to insulin resistance, reducing the efficiency of uric acid excretion by the kidneys. High sugar intake can also increase weight, which is another risk factor for gout.
3. High Salt Diet
A high salt diet is related to hypertension, which is also related to gout. A high salt diet can increase uric acid levels in the body, as it interferes with the normal function of the kidneys. Reducing salt intake may be beneficial for preventing gout.
4. Soy Sauce
Soy sauce is a commonly used condiment, but it is rich in purines and salt. Prolonged intake of large amounts of soy sauce may increase the risk of gout, especially in the presence of other risk factors for gout.
5. High Caffeine Intake
Caffeine is a stimulating substance found in coffee, tea, and some soft drinks. Some studies suggest that high caffeine intake may be associated with an increased risk of gout. Caffeine may interfere with uric acid excretion and promote uric acid accumulation in the body.
While alcohol has long been considered one of the major factors leading to gout, research by doctors shows that other foods and dietary habits may also be related to the onset of gout. Besides alcohol, high-purine foods, high sugar diets, high salt diets, soy sauce, and high caffeine intake may increase the risk of gout. For those concerned about gout, maintaining healthy dietary habits and lifestyle is crucial.
If you have a family history of gout or other risk factors for gout, it is recommended to consult a doctor or nutritionist for advice to develop a diet plan suitable for you. Making sensible dietary choices can help lower uric acid levels and reduce the risk of gout. Regular check-ups and health monitoring are also important steps in preventing gout complications.
It is important to emphasize that gout is a disease that can be controlled through proper management and lifestyle changes. By avoiding high-risk foods, maintaining a healthy weight, exercising moderately, and working with a doctor, gout patients can improve their quality of life and reduce the risk of complications. Therefore, not only alcohol, but we also need to pay attention to our diet and lifestyle to reduce the risk of gout onset.
If you suspect you have gout or have been diagnosed with gout, be sure to consult a doctor for professional advice and treatment plans. Doctors can develop the most appropriate treatment plan based on your specific situation to help you manage gout, improve your quality of life, and prevent complications. Most importantly, through healthy eating and lifestyle choices, we can create a healthier and happier future for ourselves.
#Men’s Health Guide#
