High uric acid is a common metabolic disorder that can trigger health problems such as gout. Many patients are confused about their dietary choices, especially some seemingly harmless foods such as cucumbers. Today, we will discuss in detail whether patients with high uric acid can eat cucumbers, and share some foods that patients with high uric acid should avoid to help you better manage uric acid levels and prevent gout attacks.
Basic understanding of high uric acid
What is high uric acid
High uric acid is when the level of uric acid in the blood is too high and above the normal range. Normally, serum uric acid levels should be between 208 and 428 micromol/L in men and 149 to 357 micromol/L in women. When blood uric acid levels continue to rise, urate deposits in joints, soft tissues, and kidneys, leading to gout and kidney stones.
Causes of high uric acid
The main causes of high uric acid include metabolic disorders, genetic factors, unhealthy eating habits and lifestyles. Consuming too many purine foods, drinking alcohol, obesity, and lack of exercise can all lead to elevated uric acid levels. In addition, certain diseases such as abnormal glucose metabolism, high blood pressure, and kidney disease can also trigger high uric acid.
The dangers of high uric acid
High uric acid not only triggers gout, but also increases the risk of cardiovascular disease, kidney disease, and metabolic syndrome. Long-term high uric acid may even lead to chronic kidney disease. Therefore, controlling uric acid levels is particularly important for patients with high uric acid.
The nutritional value of cucumbers and their effect on high uric acid
Nutrients of cucumbers
Cucumbers are rich in vitamin C, vitamin K, potassium, magnesium and dietary fiber. Cucumbers also contain a lot of water, which can help the body replenish water and promote metabolism.
Effect of cucumber on high uric acid
Cucumbers are low-purine foods, with only 7.3 mg of purines per 100 grams of cucumbers. As a result, cucumbers have less of an effect on uric acid levels. Patients with high uric acid can eat cucumbers in moderation and do not have to worry too much about the "spike" of uric acid.
Foods to avoid in patients with high uric acid
High-purine foods
High-purine foods are the "enemy" of patients with high uric acid. The following types of foods are high in purines and should be avoided as much as possible:
Offal foods: such as liver, kidneys, heart, etc.
Seafood: such as sardines, anchovies, shellfish, etc.
Thick broths and hot pot bases: These foods are extremely high in purines.
Foods high in fructose
Fructose increases uric acid production, and fructose intake should be reduced in patients with high uric acid. The following foods are high in fructose:
Fruit juices and sweetened drinks: contain a lot of added sugar and fructose.
Desserts and candies: Contain a lot of added sugar.
Dried fruits: such as raisins, dates, etc., have a high fructose content.
Alcoholic beverages
Alcohol affects the metabolism of uric acid, especially beer and spirits. People with high uric acid should avoid drinking alcohol, especially beer, because beer contains purines, which can directly lead to elevated uric acid levels.
High-fat foods
High-fat foods can increase body weight, which increases the risk of high uric acid and gout. The following food groups should be eaten sparingly:
Fried foods: such as fried chicken, french fries, etc.
High-fat dairy products: such as whole milk, cheese, etc.
Fatty meat: such as fatty pork, fatty beef, etc.
Dietary recommendations to control high uric acid
Eat more low-purine foods
Patients with high uric acid should consume more low-purine foods, such as:
Vegetables: Most vegetables are low in purines, such as cucumbers, tomatoes, spinach, etc.
Fruits: Most fruits are rich in vitamins and minerals that are good for health, such as apples, oranges, strawberries, etc.
Cereals and potatoes: such as rice, noodles, potatoes, sweet potatoes, etc.
Drink plenty of water
Drinking plenty of water can help dilute uric acid and promote uric acid excretion. Patients with high uric acid should drink at least 2-3 liters of water per day and avoid caffeinated beverages such as strong tea and coffee.
Control your weight
Maintaining a healthy weight is an effective way to lower uric acid levels. Patients with high uric acid should pay attention to a balanced diet, avoid overeating, and exercise moderately, such as walking, jogging, swimming, etc.
Lifestyle recommendations for patients with high uric acid
Have a regular schedule
A regular routine helps to maintain the body's normal metabolism. Patients with high uric acid should get enough sleep, sleep at least 7-8 hours a day, and avoid staying up late.
Avoid strenuous exercise
Strenuous exercise can lead to the accumulation of lactic acid in the body, which affects the excretion of uric acid. Patients with high uric acid should choose moderate exercise methods, such as walking, yoga, tai chi, etc.
Regular medical check-ups
Patients with high uric acid should have regular physical examinations to monitor uric acid levels, kidney function, blood sugar and other indicators, and detect and deal with health problems in a timely manner.
Pharmacological treatment in patients with high uric acid
Drugs that inhibit uric acid production
For people with high uric acid, your doctor may prescribe medications to suppress uric acid production, such as allopurinol. These drugs reduce uric acid production by inhibiting xanthine oxidase.
Drugs that promote the excretion of uric acid
Another class of drugs can help people with high uric acid to promote uric acid excretion, such as benzbromarone. These drugs reduce the concentration of uric acid in the blood by increasing the excretion of uric acid.
Routine management of patients with high uric acid
Diet records
People with high uric acid should make it a habit to keep track of their diet to know which foods cause uric acid to rise and which foods can help control uric acid. With diet records, you can better manage your diet and avoid a "spike" in uric acid.
Stress management
Stress can affect the body's metabolism, and people with high uric acid should learn to manage stress, such as relaxing through meditation, deep breathing, listening to music, etc.
Patients with high uric acid can eat cucumbers in moderation, but they need to avoid foods that are high in purines, high in fructose, alcohol, and high in fat. Through a scientific diet and a healthy lifestyle, patients with high uric acid can effectively control uric acid levels and prevent the occurrence of gout and related diseases. I hope the content of this article can help you better manage your health and enjoy a happy life.