Many international studies have shown a positive relationship between plant diet and stable uric acid levels. A study published on American Journal of Clinical Nutrition (2012) showed that vegetarians tend to have lower uric acid levels than the meat -eating group. The main reason comes from the fact that they do not consume foods high in animal purines such as red meat, seafood, organs - which are the "culprit" that increases uric acid in the body.
Dr. Yuqing Zhang, expert at Harvard Public Health School, affirmed: "The removal of purin sources from animals can help control uric acid well, but need to understand that not all plant foods are safe."
In fact, many familiar vegetarian foods contain high purin content such as soybeans, mushrooms, asparagus, spinach, lentils ... These plants when entering the body still undergo metabolism to form uric acid. A report from British Journal of Nutrition (2011) said vegetarians may have a slight increase in uric acid levels if consuming regular plant protein.
The Arthritis Foundation (USA) also issued a similar warning: "Despite the plant origin, purin -rich foods like beans and dark green vegetables can contribute to the risk of gout recurrence if used uncontrollably."
From a clinical perspective, Dr. Anthony Williams - a nutritionist at Mayo Clinic - said: "The vegetarian diet can still be suitable for people with gout or have high uric acid, as long as the patient knows how to choose the right food, balance between substances and does not depend on the source of protein from beans too much."
As recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO), people with high uric acid concentrations should apply a diet with low purin (less than 100 mg daily during acute gout, and maintain less than 150 mg when stable). Foods should be given to fresh fruits and vegetables, low sugar, whole grains, nuts and low -fat milk. Drinking enough water - about 2-3 liters a day - plays an important role to help eliminate uric acid through the urine.
While the vegetarian trend has many obvious benefits, people with high uric acid should pay special attention to the selection and balance in the menu. Do not follow the extreme diet or trend without professional advice. Each body has different needs, not all modes are suitable for all.
Vegetarianism is also good for health, but if you do not understand the characteristics of each food, the arbitrary application can still be counterproductive. It is necessary to accompany the doctor, nutrition expert and the right knowledge to build a scientific vegetarian diet, support effective and sustainable uric acid control.
