Seafood increases uric acid production
Seafood, especially shellfish, shrimp, crabs and sea fish, contain high levels of purines. When entering the body, purines are converted into uric acid. Meanwhile, beer, although not high in purines, is rich in guanosine - a compound that is also converted into uric acid, contributing to increasing the concentration of this substance in the blood.
Alcohol and beer hinder uric acid excretion
This is an important factor that increases the risk of gout attacks. When metabolized, alcohol produces lactic acid. Lactic acid and uric acid are both excreted through the kidneys according to a common mechanism. When the amount of lactic acid increases, the process of uric acid excretion is hindered, causing uric acid to accumulate in the body.
Alcohol causes dehydration
Alcohol and beer have a diuretic effect, easily causing mild dehydration. When the body is dehydrated, the blood becomes more concentrated, causing uric acid levels to increase. This makes uric acid crystals easily deposited in joints, triggering severe painful inflammation.
Seafood increases the amount of uric acid produced, while alcohol reduces the ability to excrete uric acid. The combination of these two factors causes uric acid to accumulate rapidly, significantly increasing the risk of triggering acute gout attacks.
To control uric acid, especially in people with a history of gout, it is necessary to simultaneously limit both purine-rich foods and alcohol. Seafood does not necessarily have to be completely eliminated, but should be eaten in moderation, prioritizing types with lower purine content and avoiding eating too much in one meal.
In addition, you should limit beer, alcohol and alcoholic beverages, especially in meals with a lot of seafood. Drinking enough water also helps support the process of uric acid excretion through the kidneys.
A balanced diet, increasing green vegetables, suitable fruits, maintaining a reasonable weight and limiting high-fructose foods also contributes to controlling uric acid levels. For people who have been diagnosed with gout or have high uric acid in their blood, adjusting the diet needs to combine monitoring and treatment according to doctor's instructions.
