According to research, foods that gout patients should avoid during Tet include:
Foods rich in purines
Purine is a natural compound found in many foods, which when broken down turns into uric acid in the body.
Foods high in purines such as red meat (beef, lamb), seafood (shrimp, crab, salmon, sardines), animal organs (liver, kidney) are foods that gout patients should avoid.
Studies show that consuming a lot of purines can increase uric acid levels in the blood, which can easily lead to arthritis and pain.
Processed foods and sugary foods
Processed foods, often present at Tet parties such as banh chung, banh tet, jam, or dishes containing a lot of sugar and refined starch, can increase the risk of metabolic diseases, including gout.
According to the World Health Organization, a diet high in sugar and starch will increase insulin levels as well as increase the ability to accumulate uric acid in the body. In particular, consuming too many sweets during Tet can cause insulin resistance, increasing the risk of recurrent gout attacks.
Foods high in fat
Foods high in saturated fats, such as fried foods, fatty meats, or processed foods, can reduce the kidneys' ability to remove uric acid. Saturated fats can increase inflammation and damage joints, which is a major cause of worsening gout symptoms.
Foods rich in fructose
Fructose, a natural sugar found in fruits and sweets, when consumed in excess can increase uric acid levels in the body.
The American Heart Association (AHA) warns that consuming too many fructose-containing beverages, such as soft drinks and canned fruit juices, can increase the risk of gout. During the Tet holiday, when consuming a lot of soft drinks or sweet dishes, gout patients should be careful to avoid increasing uric acid levels.
