Increased uric acid leads to gout, not just because of beer, seafood and barbecue...

Audit expert: Wang Xuejiang

Professor, Capital Medical University

Suddenly, I had pain in my foot joints, redness, swelling, heat and pain. After checking, I found that it was gout caused by high uric acid. I don't drink beer and eat little seafood, so why is my uric acid still high? What's going on? Is it really caused by eating?

Is high uric acid caused by diet?

Hyperuricemia is caused by purine metabolism disorder, which is related to reduced uric acid excretion or increased production; certain systemic diseases or drugs that inhibit uric acid excretion may also cause the disease. About 80% of the uric acid in the human body is produced by its own metabolism, and the remaining 20% ​​comes from diet. If the metabolism is abnormal, it will lead to high uric acid.

Many people believe that as long as they don't eat seafood or drink beer, they can avoid high uric acid. Although this idea makes sense, it is a cognitive misunderstanding. Seafood and beer are indeed important factors that lead to increased uric acid, but they are not the only reasons. There are many other factors that can also affect uric acid levels.

High uric acid is indeed related to diet, and it is a predisposing factor that cannot be ignored. Uric acid is converted from purine metabolism. Excessive intake of some purine-rich foods, such as meat, offal, and some fish, will increase the production of uric acid. In addition, high-sugar diets, high-fructose beverages, and alcohol (especially drinking a lot of beer) can also promote the synthesis of uric acid or inhibit the excretion of uric acid.

Metabolic disorders are the pathogenesis of hyperuricemia. The human body is like a sophisticated factory, and uric acid metabolism involves multiple key links. No matter which link goes wrong, it may lead to hyperuricemia. When kidney function is impaired and the ability to excrete uric acid decreases, the uric acid level in the body will increase. At the same time, if the liver cannot effectively metabolize purines, it will also increase the production of uric acid.

Metabolic pathways of uric acid Source: Critical Care Metabolism Branch of China National Health Association

In addition, lifestyle also has an important impact on uric acid levels. Bad living habits such as lack of exercise, staying up late for a long time, and irregular work and rest will put a burden on the body's metabolism. In the long run, the body's metabolic mechanism may gradually become unbalanced, thereby increasing the risk of high uric acid.

Genetic factors, obesity, certain diseases and the use of certain drugs also need to be noted, they are also important factors that lead to increased uric acid. Therefore, in order to effectively control uric acid, it is necessary to start from many aspects and comprehensively adjust lifestyle habits and dietary structure.

High uric acid levels can cause various diseases

Gout is the most typical complication. Research data show that about 10% to 20% of patients with high uric acid will develop gout, and the symptoms will recur. High uric acid can also cause kidney damage, and in severe cases, renal insufficiency or even failure may occur. When gout attacks, the anti-inflammatory analgesics used can also cause drug-induced kidney damage.

Other studies have shown that high uric acid is closely related to cardiovascular disease. For every 1 mg/dL increase in blood uric acid, the risk of cardiovascular death increases by 12%. The incidence of acute myocardial infarction in gout patients is 26% higher than that in normal people.

In addition, high uric acid and obesity, insulin resistance, hyperlipidemia, etc. are mutually causal, forming a vicious cycle and accelerating the development of metabolic diseases such as diabetes.

To control uric acid levels, you can do this

Adjusting dietary structure and habits, reducing the intake of high-purine foods (such as red meat, offal), fructose beverages and alcohol, while increasing low-fat dairy products, vegetables (such as broccoli, cucumber) and foods rich in vitamin C, can help lower uric acid. It should be noted that although food can help lower uric acid levels, the effect is limited and varies from person to person, and it cannot replace medication.

Improve your living habits and drink a certain amount of water every day, preferably more than 2000 ml, mainly boiled water, light tea is also OK, to promote urination and help excrete uric acid. Control your weight and exercise more, which is also good for uric acid metabolism. When exercising, you should choose gentle aerobic exercise such as brisk walking, swimming, and jogging, and avoid strenuous exercise.

If uric acid levels are already above normal levels and you suffer from other diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, coronary heart disease, hyperlipidemia and chronic kidney disease, you should inform your doctor of your condition when seeking medical treatment.