Avoid seafood and alcohol every day, thinking that this will control uric acid levels, but the test results surprisingly show high uric acid. This happens to many people, leading to misunderstandings and confusion about uric acid control.
Uric acid, a waste metabolite in the body, is normally excreted through the kidneys. However, when it accumulates to a certain level, it can lead to health problems. Hyperuricemia is not only associated with gout, but may also increase the risk of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases.
So why is uric acid levels likely to rise even after avoiding what is commonly considered a "dangerous food"?In addition to eating habits, what other daily behaviors invisibly affect uric acid levels?
Demystifying Uric Acid: The Body's "** Alarm."
Uric acid, a natural product of the body's metabolism, is derived from the breakdown of purines. Purines are a natural component of many foods, especially certain meats and seafood. Although uric acid is harmless at normal levels, it can cause health problems when it accumulates in the blood to excessively high levels.
Normally, uric acid is filtered through the kidneys and excreted in the urine. However, if the body produces too much uric acid or the kidneys are unable to effectively eliminate it, they can accumulate in the bloodstream, forming hyperuricemia. Long-term hyperuricemia can lead to gout, a painful inflammatory arthropathy that often presents with sudden, severe joint pain, especially at the base of the thumb.
In addition to gout, chronically high uric acid levels have been linked to other health problems, such as heart disease, high blood pressure, and chronic kidney disease. One study showed that for every 1 milligram of uric acid level that rises in a deciliter, the risk of gout increases about threefold.
However, not everyone is aware of changes in their uric acid levels, as in many cases, hyperuricemia does not cause noticeable symptoms. That's why it's crucial to check your uric acid levels regularly, especially for people with a family history of gout or other health risk factors. Uric acid levels can be easily monitored through blood tests to take proper precautions and maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Conceals uric acid in life"Traps"
High uric acid is not caused only by seafood and alcohol, but also by some neglected habits of daily life. High-sugar beverages and processed foods are the culprits. Studies have shown that fructose in sugary soft drinks directly affects uric acid levels. For example, a study involving adults found that uric acid levels were significantly higher in people who consumed two or more cans of sugar-sweetened beverages per day than those who drank almost no of them.
Inadequate water intake is also a key factor. The body needs enough water to dilute and excrete uric acid. When dehydrated, uric acid concentrations rise, increasing the risk of crystallization. For example, a study of middle-aged people showed that people who consumed less than 2 liters of water per day had higher uric acid levels than those who consumed more than 2 liters of water per day.
Irregular eating habits should not be ignored either. Neglecting breakfast or skipping it for a long time can lead to metabolic disorders in the body, which may indirectly affect uric acid levels. One study in healthy adults found that a regular diet helped keep uric acid in the normal range.
Dieting and picky eating are also common but overlooked issues. Sudden weight loss or a long-term low-calorie diet can cause the body to break down muscles and increase uric acid production. For example, a study in middle-aged and older adults found that a long-term low-protein diet led to a gradual increase in uric acid levels.
Uric acid lowering, starting from the daily routine.
Uric acid control is not an unattainable science, but an accumulation of details in life. In many cases, simple lifestyle adjustments can make a significant difference. Eating habits are crucial. Reducing the intake of high-purine foods is a basic principle, but a deeper adjustment is to increase the proportion of alkaline foods, such as fresh vegetables and fruits. These foods help neutralize the acidity of the blood, which helps to lower uric acid levels. For example, one study showed that foods rich in vitamin C were effective in reducing uric acid levels.
In addition to diet, lifestyle changes are also very important. Moderate physical activity, such as 30 minutes of brisk walking or swimming a day, can boost metabolism and help lower uric acid levels. At the same time, maintaining adequate hydration is key. Adequate hydration not only helps to thin uric acid in the blood, but also facilitates the excretion of uric acid through the kidneys. It is recommended to drink about 2 liters of water per day.
In addition, adequate sleep and stress management cannot be ignored either. Studies have shown that stress and lack of sleep can lead to elevated uric acid levels. Therefore, getting 7 to 8 hours of sleep per night, as well as taking appropriate relaxation methods, such as yoga or meditation, are also essential to maintain uric acid levels within the normal range.