In a warm and quiet weekend family dinner, Uncle Zhang faced a table full of delicious food, and his eyes revealed a trace of hesitation. His gaze unconsciously rested on the plate of fungus that had been cooked just right. As a patient with a history of gout for many years, Uncle Zhang was well aware that his dietary choices were crucial to his health. He couldn't help but ask in his heart: "Can a person like me, who has high uric acid and gout, really eat fungus?" ”
When discussing the relationship between high uric acid and gout, it is important to first understand what uric acid is and how it relates to our physical health. Uric acid is a normal product in the body's metabolic process, mainly in the metabolism of purines in the body. Purines are an important ingredient in our daily food and are found in many types of meat, seafood, and certain plant-based foods. Normally, uric acid is excreted from the body through the kidneys to maintain a certain level of uric acid in the blood. However, when uric acid is produced or excreted in the body is overproduced or insufficiently excreted, the level of uric acid in the blood rises, a condition known as hyperuricemia. Long-term hyperuricemia can lead to urate deposition in joints and soft tissues, triggering gout. Gout is a condition characterized by reversible arthritis, especially at the base of the thumb. Gout attacks are often accompanied by severe pain, redness and swelling, and limited joint function, which seriously affects the patient's quality of life. In addition, abnormally elevated uric acid levels may also be associated with a variety of health problems, such as cardiovascular disease, kidney disease, etc. Therefore, it is essential for patients with hyperuricemia and gout to maintain uric acid levels within the normal range. There are also some common misconceptions about high uric acid and gout. For example, many people think that simply avoiding purine-rich foods can prevent gout attacks, but in reality, lifestyle changes, proper exercise, and a reasonable diet are just as important for controlling uric acid levels. Fungus, a common ingredient on Asian tables, is loved by many for its unique taste and nutritional value. It is not only low in calories, but also rich in dietary fiber, trace elements and vitamins. Specifically, fungus is rich in iron, calcium, phosphorus, and B vitamins, which are beneficial for blood circulation and bone health. In addition to essential nutrients, fungus also contains bioactive substances such as polysaccharides and antioxidants. These ingredients have been studied to help boost immunity and even prevent certain types of cancer to some extent. However, despite these advantages of fungus, its purine content has become the focus of attention for patients with high uric acid and gout. 
Purines are precursors of uric acid, and high purine intake can increase blood uric acid levels, which can worsen gout symptoms. However, the purine content of fungus is not as significant as that of some meats or seafood. According to research, the purine content of common vegetables and mushrooms is generally lower than that of meat and seafood. Therefore, the purine content of fungus is comparatively lower as compared to high-purine foods. But this does not mean that people with high uric acid and gout can consume fungus without restrictions. Despite its low purine content, moderate consumption is still key. Patients with high uric acid and gout are advised to include fungus in their diet appropriately, but avoid excessive amounts. Proper diet and total calorie control are essential for these patients. For people with high uric acid and gout, a balanced diet is key to managing symptoms. As a nutritious ingredient, fungus can be used as part of the diet when consumed reasonably. Here are some practical tips: Quantify your intake: Control the amount of fungus at each meal and avoid overdoing it. Varied diet: In addition to fungus, other low-purine vegetables and fruits should be included to ensure nutritional balance. Regular monitoring: Patients with high uric acid and gout should regularly monitor their blood uric acid levels and adjust their diet according to their doctor's recommendations. 