According to BS.CKI Nguyen Tran Nhu Thuy, University Medical Center Hospital of Ho Chi Minh City - Branch 3, uric acid is a product created when the body breaks down purines, a compound found in cells and many types of food. Usually, uric acid is mainly excreted through the kidneys. When the amount of uric acid produced exceeds the ability to be excreted, the concentration of this substance in the blood increases, leading to hyperuricemia.
Most patients do not have obvious symptoms. However, if uric acid is maintained at a high level for a long time, urate crystals can deposit in the joints, causing gout, or forming uric acid stones in the urinary tract. This condition is also often accompanied by overweight, obesity, high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, and chronic kidney disease.
According to experts, people should go to a medical facility for examination and consider a uric acid test if they belong to the following groups:
Sudden, severe joint pain appears, accompanied by swelling, hotness, and redness, especially in the big toe joint, a sign suspected of gout.
Has been diagnosed with gout and needs to be monitored for treatment. Has a history of recurrent urinary stones or suspected uric acid stones. Has chronic kidney disease. Overweight, obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure or metabolic syndrome. Is using some medications that can increase blood uric acid such as diuretics. Is or is preparing for chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or has pathologies that increase the risk of rapid cell lysis.
Doctors note that not all cases of increased uric acid in the blood require medication. Treatment will be indicated based on clinical symptoms, gout history, kidney function, urinary stones and accompanying diseases.
Food groups to be restricted
People with hyperuricemia should limit or avoid purine-rich foods such as animal organs, anchovies, sardines, herring, some types of mackerel, caviar and shellfish.
In addition, alcohol, beer, sugary soft drinks, energy drinks and drinks high in fructose also need to be limited because they can increase uric acid levels.
Food groups to eat in moderation
Red meats such as beef, pork, poultry, seafood and processed foods such as sausages, bacon should be used in moderation. Patients should prioritize processing methods such as boiling, steaming, braising or pan-frying with little oil instead of frying with a lot of grease.
Food groups to prioritize
Green vegetables, tubers, whole fresh fruits, low-fat or lean milk, eggs, tofu, soybeans, nuts and whole grains are suitable choices for people with hyperuricemia.
Although some plant-based foods such as beans, tofu, mushrooms or asparagus contain purines, it is currently not recommended to absolutely abstain from these foods. Instead, patients should maintain a diverse and balanced diet.
Increased uric acid in the blood is an important risk factor for gout, but not everyone with high uric acid will get sick. Building a scientific diet, combining regular exercise and proper treatment will contribute to controlling uric acid, reducing the risk of complications and protecting long-term health.
