Gout, the name sounds daunting. Many middle-aged and elderly people have experienced such pain: overnight, the joints are red and swollen, and the pain is unbearable, and they can't even get out of bed. What is the matter with this sudden and sharp pain? Why is gout so tormenting? In fact, behind gout there are many problems in our daily life, especially eating habits.
Causes and pathological mechanisms of gout
The root cause of gout is a high concentration of uric acid in the blood. Uric acid is a product of purine metabolism, which is found in many foods we commonly eat, such as meat, seafood, and alcohol. When there is too much uric acid, urate crystals form that are deposited in the joints, soft tissues, and kidneys, causing severe pain and inflammation.
Sources and metabolism of uric acid
Uric acid comes from two main sources: exogenous purines (food intake) and endogenous purines (metabolism in the body). When we consume high-purine foods, uric acid production increases. At the same time, certain diseases and medications can also affect uric acid metabolism, such as high blood pressure, abnormal glucose metabolism, and the use of diuretics.
Factors influencing uric acid excretion
Normally, uric acid is excreted through the kidneys and intestines. However, renal insufficiency, inadequate water intake, and the use of certain medications can lead to impaired uric acid excretion, further increasing uric acid levels.
Formation of urate crystals and inflammatory responses
When the concentration of uric acid in the blood is too high, urate tends to be deposited in the cooler joints, forming crystals. These crystals trigger an attack by the immune system, leading to a violent inflammatory response and pain.
Symptoms and dangers of gout
The symptoms of gout are varied, the most typical being acute gouty arthritis. The harm of gout is not just about the pain, it can also lead to more serious health problems.
Acute gouty arthritis
Typically, sudden, severe pain in a single joint (eg, big toe) accompanied by redness, swelling, and warmth. The pain usually worsens at night or early in the morning and lasts from a few days to a few weeks.
Chronic gouty arthritis
If left untreated, acute gout can become chronic, leading to recurrent attacks in multiple joints, which can eventually lead to joint deformity and dysfunction.
Formation of tophi
Long-term hyperuricemia can lead to urate deposition under the skin, joints, and soft tissues, forming tophi. These nodules are not only unsightly, but can also lead to tissue ulceration and infection.
Kidney damage
The deposition of urate crystals in the kidneys can cause kidney stones and gouty nephropathy, which may progress to kidney failure in severe cases.
Dietary management of gout
Diet is an important means of controlling gout. A scientific and reasonable diet can effectively reduce uric acid levels and reduce the frequency and severity of gout attacks.
Low-purine diet
Avoid high-purine foods such as red meat, organ meats, seafood, and beer. Choose low-purine foods such as eggs, dairy products, vegetables, and fruits.
Moderate protein intake
Protein intake should be moderate, too much protein can also increase uric acid production. The recommended daily protein intake is 0.8 g/kg body weight.
Drink plenty of fluids
Adequate water intake helps in the excretion of uric acid, and it is recommended to drink no less than 2 litres of water per day.
Limit alcohol intake
Alcohol, especially beer, can significantly increase uric acid levels, and people with gout should severely limit or avoid alcohol consumption.
Increase your intake of alkaline foods
Such as fruits, vegetables, and dairy products, these foods help dissolve uric acid and prevent urate crystallization from forming.
Specific recipe recommendations and precautions
A scientific diet plan can effectively help gout patients manage their condition. Here are some specific dietary recommendations and considerations:
breakfast
Low-fat milk oatmeal, whole wheat bread with egg white, tomato and cucumber salad. Avoid foods that are high in fat and sugar.
lunch
White meat (e.g. chicken, fish) with plenty of vegetables such as broccoli, carrots, spinach, etc. Brown rice or whole-wheat pasta is the main staple food, and fried foods should be avoided.
dinner
Light is the main thing, and vegetable tofu soup, steamed fish or chicken breast are recommended. Avoid overeating and don't go too late for dinner.
Intermittent eating
Fresh fruits such as apples, pears, oranges, nuts such as walnuts, almonds, etc., but in moderation.
Pay special attention
Avoid high-purine foods such as organ meats, thick broth, and hot pot. Reduce sugar intake, control your weight, and maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Comprehensive management beyond diet
In addition to diet, the management of gout requires a combination of other lifestyle modifications and medications.
Regular medical check-ups
Regularly check blood uric acid levels, kidney function, etc., for early detection and early treatment.
Exercise reasonably
Moderate exercise can help control weight and improve metabolic function, but avoid strenuous exercise to prevent joint damage.
drug therapy
Urate-lowering drugs, such as allopurinol, febuxostat, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may be used to relieve acute attacks if necessary.
mental health
Patients with gout often experience psychological stress due to recurrent attacks, and appropriate psychological counseling and support are important.
Gout, while painful, is not uncontrollable. Through scientific diet, reasonable exercise and comprehensive management, gout patients can effectively reduce uric acid levels, reduce the frequency of attacks, and improve their quality of life. I hope that today's sharing can help the majority of middle-aged and elderly friends to better prevent and treat gout and have a healthy life.