According to MSc.BS Pham Thu Phuong (Tam Anh General Hospital Hanoi), uric acid is a waste that forms when the body breaks down purines - compounds abundant in red meat, animal organs and some seafood. When uric acid levels in the blood increase, the risk of gout, kidney stones and other health problems also increases.
Many people believe that just abstaining from purine-rich foods is enough to control uric acid. However, diet is just one of many factors affecting this index.
Not drinking enough water
Adults should drink about 1.8-2 liters of water per day. Water helps the kidneys filter and excrete uric acid through urine. When the body is dehydrated, the ability to eliminate waste is reduced, causing uric acid to accumulate in the blood.
Dehydration is also a common cause of increased uric acid, especially when the weather is hot or you exercise a lot. Therefore, you should drink water regularly throughout the day instead of just drinking it when you are thirsty.
Losing weight too quickly
Being overweight increases the risk of increased uric acid, but losing weight too quickly can also backfire. Fasting or applying too strict a weight loss regimen causes the body to break down many tissues, release more purines and increase uric acid production. Experts recommend gradually losing weight with a reasonable diet combined with exercise.
Consume a lot of sugary drinks
Fructose in soft drinks, milk tea and processed drinks can stimulate the body to produce uric acid. Replacing it with filtered water or low-sugar drinks will help control this index more effectively.
Ignore diseases or medications being used
High uric acid is not always due to diet. Diseases such as kidney dysfunction, metabolic syndrome, high blood pressure or diabetes can reduce the ability to excrete uric acid. In addition, some medications such as diuretics or cardiovascular medications can also increase uric acid levels.
Uric acid control needs to combine a healthy lifestyle and treatment of related diseases. If the index is still high even after adjusting the diet, patients should see a doctor to find the cause.
