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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The causes of hyperuricemia

The causes of hyperuricemia can currently be divided into two categories: primary and secondary. The cause of most primary hyperuricemia is not yet clear. A few cases are due to enzyme deficiencies, which are related to either excessive production or reduced excretion of uric acid. There is also idiopathic hyperuricemia, such as familial kidney diseases that are associated with hyperuricemia, among others. Some secondary hyperuricemias, for example, are secondary to some congenital metabolic diseases, such as glycogen storage disease. It can also be due to certain systemic diseases, such as leukemia, multiple myeloma, lymphoma, polycythemia vera, hemolytic anemia, etc. Some cases are physiological increases, such as the intake of foods rich in purines, long-term eating and fasting states can also cause increased blood uric acid. Some medications can also lead to hyperuricemia, such as thiazide diuretics, furosemide, ethanol, immunosuppressants, aspirin, etc., which can also cause hyperuricemia. Therefore, the causes of hyperuricemia are diverse, and some causes are still unclear.

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What foods to eat for hyperuricemia?

Dietary requirements for hyperuricemia primarily include a low-purine diet, avoiding foods high in purines. It's important to recognize which foods are high in purines, such as seafood and certain fish, which should be avoided. Secondly, some mushrooms and soy products also have higher levels of purines and should be consumed less frequently. Thirdly, alcohol, especially spirits and beer, must be avoided. Fourthly, one should avoid consuming rich, slow-cooked broths as they also contain high levels of purines. Lastly, it is recommended to drink more water, typically between 1500ml to 2000ml daily.

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Hyperuricemia manifestations

Most cases of hyperuricemia usually have no obvious clinical symptoms, and it can take years to decades from the increase in blood uric acid to symptom onset, with some individuals never exhibiting obvious clinical symptoms throughout their lifetime. However, as age increases, the incidence of gout becomes higher. When accompanied by acute gouty arthritis, patients may experience severe joint pain. If blood uric acid levels remain high over a long period, this can lead to the formation of gouty tophi and uric acid stones, among other issues.

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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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What is contraindicated for hyperuricemia?

Hyperuricemia contraindications include the following points: 1. Strictly limit the intake of purines, restrict foods that contain more purines, including animal organs, bone marrow, seafood, fermented foods, beans, etc. 2. Reduce the intake of fats, as fats can decrease the excretion of uric acid. 3. Avoid high-protein foods, such as lean meat, chicken, and duck, which should be boiled and the broth discarded before consumption to avoid eating stewed or marinated meats. 4. Abstain from alcohol, as alcohol can lead to the accumulation of lactate in the body and inhibit the excretion of uric acid, easily triggering gout attacks. 5. Avoid hot pot, as the main ingredients in hot pot are animal organs, shrimp, shellfish, and seafood, and drinking beer with it can aggravate the condition, making these items contraindications for hyperuricemia.