Uric acid is the final product of the breakdown of purines - compounds found in many daily foods. When uric acid levels in the blood increase, urate crystals can build up in the joints, causing swelling and pain and leading to gout. According to Healthline, not only food, many mistaken habits at lunch also cause uric acid to spike that patients do not expect.
1. Drink less water for lunch
The body needs enough water to excrete uric acid through the kidneys. However, many people have the habit of drinking water after lunch, or only drink 1-2 sips when eating. According to the Cleveland Clinic, this reduces the filtering speed of the kidneys, causing uric acid to build up in the blood instead of being excreted in urine.
Suggestion: You should drink a glass of water 15 minutes before eating, and maintain an adequate amount of water throughout the day (minimum 2 liters/day for adults).
2. Eat plenty of red meat, organs, seafood for lunch
This is a group of foods rich in purines - the "basal" that produces uric acid. A plate of rice with fried ribs, rare beef stew or seafood stew can provide purines that exceed the safe threshold. Eating a lot at noon puts an even greater burden on the liver and kidneys as the body prepares to enter the rest period.
Suggestion: Replace red meat with white meat (chicken, fish), increase green vegetables, use tofu, mushrooms and plant protein sources.
3. Loss of exercise after eating
Many people sit at tables right after lunch, or take an immediate nap. According to research by the Arthritis Foundation, a sedentary lifestyle increases the risk of insulin resistance - an indirect factor that causes increased uric acid in the blood and hinders uric excretion through the kidneys.
Suggestion: Walk gently for 5-10 minutes after lunch to boost your metabolism and eliminate toxins.
