What foods should be avoided with hyperuricemia?

Written by Li Hui Zhi
Endocrinology
Updated on September 25, 2024
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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 Li Hui Zhi
Endocrinology
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What are the harms of hyperuricemia?

The dangers of hyperuricemia: Firstly, some individuals might experience gouty arthritis, characterized by localized joint swelling, redness, heat, and pain, affecting mobility. Secondly, prolonged hyperuricemia can damage the kidneys, leading to chronic renal failure. Thirdly, if hyperuricemia persists long-term, it may result in the formation of tophi. Tophi deposited in joints can cause joint deformities and limited mobility. Additionally, hyperuricemia is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, and thus should be taken seriously.

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Written by Chen Xie
Endocrinology
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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.

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Written by Li Hui Zhi
Endocrinology
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Dietary Guidance for Hyperuricemia

For hyperuricemia, it is generally recommended to adopt a low-calorie diet, control weight, and try to maintain an ideal weight. Secondly, avoid high-purine foods and opt for a diet low in purines. The third point encourages the use of some alkaline medications and strict abstinence from alcohol. The fourth point is to reduce the intake of fructose-rich beverages. The fifth point is to avoid drinking strong tea, coffee, cocoa, and other such beverages. The sixth point emphasizes the need to drink more water, recommending a daily water intake of at least 2000 milliliters.

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Written by Li Hui Zhi
Endocrinology
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Hyperuricemia Complications

Common complications, the first is the effect on joints, manifested as local joint redness, swelling, heat, and pain, and even mobility impairment, usually referring to gouty arthritis. The second complication is the effect on the kidneys, resulting in hyperuricemic nephropathy, where the patient will experience abnormal kidney function. The third complication is the formation of gouty tophi, where many patients have deposits in the joints, leading to the occurrence of tophi and causing joint mobility impairment. Therefore, hyperuricemia needs to be treated promptly to prevent these complications.

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Written by Li Hui Zhi
Endocrinology
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Hyperuricemia and Its Complications

Hyperuricemia mainly refers to the elevation of uric acid levels in the blood, with levels exceeding 420 umol/l in males and 360 umol/l in females being diagnostic criteria. Some patients with hyperuricemia may not show symptoms, but if not controlled, complications can arise such as gouty arthritis, which manifests as local joint redness, swelling, heat, and pain, and even limited mobility. If it affects the kidneys, it leads to gouty kidney, which is characterized by abnormal kidney function and elevated creatinine levels. Therefore, if diagnosed with hyperuricemia, it is advisable to control diet, drink plenty of water, and seek timely medical treatment.