What Is Gout? Causes of Gout & Lifestyle Changes Recommendations
Gout is a form of inflammatory arthritis commonly called as the “riches disease”. It is due to the disorder of purine metabolism, which leads to the deposition of monosodium urate crystals in our connective tissues.
People may live for many years with elevated uric acid levels, and they do not develop gout. However, higher uric acid level is more likely to trigger a gout attack.
The upper limit of a high uric acid level (hyperuricemia) is 6.8mg/dL.
4 Main Causes of High Uric Acid Level:
1. Diet
Regular intake of high-purine foods such as seafood, offal, meat, gravy, alcohol, etc.
2. Genetic factors (inherited tendencies)
The body’s ability to metabolize uric acid varies from person to person.
3. Medications
People who take diuretics or anti-tuberculosis drugs are also more likely to have high uric acid.
4. Chronic kidney disease
Uric acid tends to accumulate in the body for patients with chronic kidney disease.
8 Things You Can Do About To Lower Uric Acid Level
1. Diet control
Eat a healthy; low-purine diet helps reduce uric acid production.
2. Drink plenty of water
Ingest at least 2L of water every day to keep the kidneys healthy and help them flush out uric acid from the body.
3. Avoid sugary drinks
Studies have shown that people who drink 2 cups of sugary drinks a day are 85% more likely to develop gout. High sugar intake can cause metabolic abnormalities and prevent smooth excretion of uric acid from the body.
4. Regular exercise
30 minutes of exercise a day can increase the metabolic rate and increase uric acid excretion.
5. Avoid drinking
Alcohol will increase the level of uric acid in the blood by impeding the body’s ability to excrete uric acid.
6. Weight control
Overweight and obesity will affect uric acid metabolism in the body.
7. Prescription medication
Always seek medical advice before starting any medication.
8. Health supplement
Choosing a health supplement with high antioxidant components (catechins, anthocyanins) can effectively inhibit uric acid production and promote uric acid excretion.
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