Can people with hyperuricemia drink alcohol?

Written by Li Hui Zhi

Endocrinology

Updated on September 03, 2024

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Patients with hyperuricemia are advised to avoid drinking alcohol. Especially liquors such as baijiu and beer, which have high purine content, are contraindicated for patients with hyperuricemia. Furthermore, if hyperuricemia is diagnosed with high levels of uric acid, one should abstain from alcohol, and also pay attention to diet by avoiding foods high in purines to prevent complications such as gouty arthritis and gouty kidney.

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Written by Li Lang Bo

Endocrinology

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Can people with hyperuricemia eat eggs?

In the case of hyperuricemia, we primarily recommend a low-purine diet to prevent the onset of gouty arthritis. As for the nutritional content of eggs, they are considered a food with a moderate level of purines. Therefore, when uric acid levels are relatively high, it is still possible to consume them in moderation. Aside from diet, it is also necessary to drink plenty of water or to alkalize the urine using baking soda tablets even if there is a transient increase in blood uric acid levels. If sufficient water is consumed, it is less likely for deposits to form in the joints. If deposits do not easily form, it also relatively reduces the possibility of triggering inflammatory responses, thus preventing the occurrence of gouty arthritis. Therefore, it is possible to consume an appropriate amount of eggs, but it is also important to drink plenty of water and appropriately alkalize the urine.

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Written by Li Hui Zhi

Endocrinology

55sec

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What foods should be avoided with hyperuricemia?

Hyperuricemia generally requires a low-purine diet. So, what foods should be avoided? First, seafood and sea fish, as they have a high purine content and should not be consumed. Second, avoid animal organs like chicken and duck kidneys. Third, abstain from alcohol, especially strong spirits and beer, which tend to raise uric acid levels, so it's recommended to avoid them. Fourth, it is advised not to consume long-cooked broths, such as those commonly enjoyed in Guangdong where the broth is simmered for several hours, as these also have high purine content. Fifth, limit intake of some bean products and various mushrooms, as these should also be consumed minimally.

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Written by Chen Xie

Endocrinology

1min

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Can hyperuricemia be cured?

Hyperuricemia is a metabolic disease caused by disorders in purine metabolism and is clinically divided into primary and secondary categories. Primary hyperuricemia is caused by congenital abnormalities in purine metabolism and is often associated with obesity, dyslipidemia, hypertension, atherosclerosis, and coronary heart disease. Secondary hyperuricemia, on the other hand, is caused by certain systemic diseases or medications. Therefore, whether hyperuricemia can be cured depends on the underlying condition, and the efficacy of treatment cannot be generalized. For hyperuricemia caused by medications or systemic diseases, it can be cured by treating the disease or discontinuing the medication. However, for hyperuricemia caused by congenital abnormalities in purine metabolism, it can be clinically managed by controlling diet and medication, but it is not curable.

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Written by Chen Xie

Endocrinology

1min 1sec

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What is hyperuricemia?

Hyperuricemia refers to a condition where, under normal purine diet, fasting blood uric acid levels exceed 420 micromoles per liter in males and 360 micromoles per liter in females. Uric acid is the final metabolic product of human purine compounds. Disorders in purine metabolism lead to hyperuricemia, which is influenced by various factors including genetics, gender, age, lifestyle, dietary habits, medical treatments, and the level of economic development. Clinically, hyperuricemia can be classified into primary and secondary types. Common clinical manifestations mainly include gout, and possibly arthritis, which are closely related to hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, coronary heart disease, and renal impairment. Therefore, it is necessary to control hyperuricemia.

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Written by Chen Xie

Endocrinology

54sec

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Treatment of Hyperuricemia with Medication

The treatment of hyperuricemia primarily involves dietary control, focusing on low-purine foods, increasing water intake, and maintaining regular exercise. Additionally, alkalizing the urine using sodium bicarbonate to keep the urine pH between 6.2 and 6.9 can help facilitate the excretion of uric acid. It's also important to avoid medications that can increase uric acid levels. For reducing uric acid, treatments mainly include probenecid, which can increase the excretion of uric acid, and febuxostat, an alternative to allopurinol, though side effects of these medications should be noted. Therefore, it is advised for patients with hyperuricemia to consult a doctor at a reputable hospital before taking any medications.