On a sunny spring day, 65-year-old Uncle Wang and his friend Aunt Xiao Zhang agreed to go for a walk in the park together. Uncle Wang is a retired teacher who loves sports, likes to play tai chi with friends on weekdays, and believes that maintaining good health is more important than anything else. Aunt Xiao Zhang is a senior TCM practitioner who pays special attention to the health of the elderly, especially some common metabolic diseases, such as gout, which often become the focus of her attention.
Uncle Wang and Aunt Xiao Zhang sat down on a park bench and began to talk about the recent health topic. Aunt Xiao Zhang told Uncle Wang worriedly that some of her elderly patients have been diagnosed with gout in recent months, which makes her worried about the health of the elderly group. Uncle Wang was puzzled when he heard this, he had never heard of gout, and he didn't understand why the elderly were more likely to suffer from it. When Aunt Xiao Zhang saw his doubts, she began to explain them in detail, hoping to let Uncle Wang better understand this problem through popular science.
Definition and causes of gout
Gout is a metabolic disease caused by abnormal uric acid metabolism, which is characterized by hyperuricemia and recurrent arthritis, mainly due to the deposition of uric acid in the body to form needle-like crystals, resulting in an inflammatory response in the joints and surrounding soft tissues. Uric acid is the end metabolite of the body's metabolism and is normally excreted through the kidneys, but when uric acid is produced too much or its excretion is blocked, its concentration in the blood increases, increasing the risk of gout.
In the elderly population, the likelihood of developing gout is significantly increased. This is mainly due to the combined influence of a number of factors. First of all, as we age, the body's metabolism slows down, especially the metabolic capacity of uric acid, which makes it easier for older people to accumulate hyperuricemia. Secondly, the elderly are often accompanied by chronic diseases such as hypertension and diabetes, and the drugs used in these diseases themselves and their treatment, such as diuretics and thiazides, may affect the excretion of uric acid, further aggravating the risk of elevated uric acid levels.
In addition, the diet and lifestyle of the elderly are often closely related to the occurrence of gout. Excessive intake of high-purine foods (e.g., meat, seafood), alcohol, and irregular lifestyles may directly affect the production and excretion of uric acid, thereby increasing the risk of gout.
Gout is not just a disease, but a health problem that can be prevented and managed through lifestyle and dietary changes.
Risk factors for gout in older adults
Gout is a disease based on a disorder of uric acid metabolism that is more susceptible to the elderly due to slowed metabolism, the effects of chronic diseases, and lifestyle changes. Here are a few risk factors for gout in older adults:
Age Factor:
The metabolic rate of older people decreases significantly compared to younger years, which leads to a decrease in the ability to excrete uric acid in the body, and uric acid levels are more likely to rise. Especially after menopause, estrogen levels decrease, which is more likely to lead to an increase in uric acid levels, increasing the risk of gout.
Lifestyle factors:
Eating habits:
Excessive intake of high-purine foods, such as meat (especially offal), seafood, alcohol, etc., which can promote the production and accumulation of uric acid in the body and aggravate gout symptoms. In addition, excessive intake of a diet high in sugar has also been associated with an increased frequency of gout attacks.
Obesity and metabolic syndrome:
The prevalence of obesity and metabolic syndrome is higher in older adults, and these pathophysiological conditions significantly increase the risk of gout. Obesity leads to an increase in adipose tissue and promotes uric acid production, while metabolic syndrome is closely related to hyperuricemia, further increasing the likelihood of gout.
Medication use:
Some older people need to use diuretics, antihypertensive drugs and other drugs for the treatment of other chronic diseases, which can affect the excretion of uric acid, thereby increasing the risk of uric acidemia.
Diet and lifestyle management
After gout in the elderly, in addition to medication, reasonable diet and lifestyle management are essential for disease control. Here are some practical management tips:
Low-purine diet:
Older adults are advised to reduce their intake of high-purine foods, such as liver, kidneys, shrimp, crabs, caviar, etc. Moderate intake of lean meats, poultry, legumes and dairy products, as well as more vitamin-C-rich fruits and vegetables such as citrus, strawberries, tomatoes, etc., can help promote uric acid excretion.
Limit alcohol intake:
Alcohol not only directly increases uric acid production, but also affects the excretion of uric acid by the kidneys, so older people should avoid or limit alcohol consumption, especially beer and spirits.
Maintain an appropriate weight:
Weight control is one of the most important tools to prevent and manage gout. Older people should adopt appropriate dietary control and increase moderate physical activity to maintain their ideal weight.
Moderate Exercise:
Moderate physical exercise can promote the excretion of uric acid, reduce weight, and improve the body's metabolism. The elderly can choose aerobic exercises suitable for themselves, such as walking, swimming, cycling, etc., 3-4 times a week, each time for more than 30 minutes.
Regular check-ups and treatments as directed:
Older people with gout need regular follow-up appointments to monitor uric acid levels and kidney function, and follow the doctor's treatment plan to adjust medication use and dietary habits.
Through the above management measures, the elderly can effectively prevent and control the onset of gout, improve the quality of life, and reduce the inconvenience and pain caused by the disease.