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Xiao Li is a busy white-collar worker in the city, usually busy with work and irregular diet. One day, he suddenly felt severe pain in his toes, and the doctor diagnosed him with gout.
The examination found that Xiao Li's uric acid level was high, and he had always believed that eating only seafood and red meat would cause uric acid to rise. In fact, in addition to purines, many of the foods that Xiao Li loves to eat are also "accomplices".
Purine metabolism and elevated uric acid
One of the main causes of hyperuricemia is abnormal purine metabolism. Purines are widely found in our daily diets, especially in high-protein foods such as seafood, red meat, and animal offal. Purines in the body go through a series of metabolic processes to eventually produce uric acid. When uric acid is produced too much or not excreted enough, it builds up in the body, leading to hyperuricemia.
There are two main sources of purines: food intake and cellular metabolism in the body. Purines in food are mainly derived from animal foods, while purines are also produced by cells in the body during metabolism.
Purines undergo a complex metabolic process in the body and are eventually converted into uric acid. Uric acid is excreted from the body through the kidneys, but when excretion is blocked or produced excessively, uric acid levels rise.
Problems in any part of purine metabolism can lead to an increase in uric acid levels. For example, renal insufficiency can lead to decreased uric acid excretion, while a high-protein diet can increase uric acid production.
Invisible accomplices in the diet
Foods high in purines
In addition to the well-known seafood and red meat, some people's favorite vegetables such as beans and spinach are also high in purines.
The effects of alcohol
Alcohol not only stimulates the production of uric acid, but also inhibits its excretion, especially beer, which contains a large amount of purines in the yeast component.
High fructose drinks
In recent years, high-fructose drinks have become a regular in people's diets. Fructose increases the production of uric acid during metabolism, and excessive intake of high fructose beverages is also one of the important causes of high uric acid.
Lifestyle and uric acid levels
Insufficient exercise can lead to a decrease in metabolic rate, which in turn affects the excretion of uric acid. People who have been inactive for a long time are more likely to develop hyperuricemia. Obesity increases the purine metabolic burden and increases uric acid production. Metabolic syndrome includes not only obesity, but also high blood pressure, high blood sugar, etc., all of which can lead to elevated uric acid levels.
Insufficient water intake can lead to concentrated urine and decreased uric acid excretion. Drinking water in moderation can help dilute uric acid and promote its excretion. Xiao Li's story tells us that the prevention of hyperuricemia should not only focus on purines, but also pay attention to the comprehensive adjustment of diet and lifestyle.
Experimental data and research results
The research team conducted detailed experiments on the effects of different foods and lifestyles on uric acid levels. A large amount of data was collected through a comprehensive analysis of animal models and human experiments.
In a study conducted by Xinjiang Medical University in China, researchers successfully constructed a rat model of hyperuricemia using a combination of yeast paste and potassium oxyazinate (OA).
In addition to purines, alcoholic and high-fructose beverages also significantly affect uric acid levels. Experimental data showed that the uric acid level of animals in the group drinking high fructose beverages was significantly higher than that in the control group. Uric acid levels were significantly higher in long-term drinkers than in non-drinkers. These findings suggest that the impact of diet and lifestyle on uric acid levels cannot be ignored.
In the above study, the researchers found that the serum uric acid level was the highest in the yeast paste plus 200 mg/kg OA intraperitoneal injection, reaching 450.50±31.59 μmol/L (compared to 92.25±30.94 μmol/L in the control group).
Strategies to prevent and treat hyperuricemia
First, the intake of high-purine foods such as seafood, red meat, and offal should be reduced. At the same time, the intake of alcohol and high-fructose beverages should be limited. Eat more low-purine foods, such as most vegetables, dairy products and fruits.
Increasing the amount of exercise is essential to promote metabolism and uric acid excretion. Engage in at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week, such as brisk walking, swimming, etc. Maintaining a healthy weight is also an important measure to prevent high uric acid.
For patients who have already been diagnosed with hyperuricemia or gout, drug therapy is necessary. Commonly used urate-lowering drugs include allopurinol and febuxostat, which control uric acid levels by reducing uric acid production or promoting uric acid excretion. Medication needs to be done under the guidance of a doctor to avoid side effects and adverse reactions.
conclusion
Hyperuricemia is not just the result of abnormal purine metabolism, but is also closely related to many daily diets and lifestyles. Through the support of scientific research and experimental data, we have a better understanding of the role of these "invisible accomplices". Hyperuricemia can be effectively prevented and managed and good health can only be maintained through comprehensive dietary modifications, lifestyle changes, and necessary pharmacological interventions.
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