Can people with hyperuricemia eat eggs?

Written by Li Lang Bo
Endocrinology
Updated on November 28, 2024
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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
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Is hyperuricemia dangerous?

Hyperuricemia is generally diagnosed when the blood uric acid level in males exceeds 420 micromoles per liter and in females exceeds 360 micromoles per liter. Some patients with hyperuricemia are asymptomatic, but others may develop gouty arthritis, characterized by local joint redness, swelling, heat, and pain, and even limited mobility. Some patients may develop gouty nephropathy, leading to abnormal kidney function. There are also instances of patients developing tophi, which can cause joint deformity and even limited mobility. Therefore, if hyperuricemia is not controlled promptly, it poses certain risks and may lead to complications such as tophi, gouty arthritis, and gouty nephropathy.

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Written by Li Hui Zhi
Endocrinology
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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 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.

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Written by Zhang Li
Endocrinology
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Treatment of Hyperuricemia

Hyperuricemia is becoming increasingly common in today's life, and its treatment is divided into two main aspects: lifestyle interventions and medication treatment. For lifestyle, the main focus should be on healthy eating, quitting smoking, maintaining regular exercise, and proper weight control. Regarding diet, a strict low-purine diet is essential, especially avoiding the consumption of animal offals, meat broths, seafood, and beer. Additionally, it is important to alkalinize urine, which can be done using substances like baking soda or soda water. Also, ensure to drink plenty of water, maintaining a daily intake of over 2000 milliliters, and control other risk factors that can cause hyperuricemia, such as high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and high blood sugar. In terms of medication, the choice of drugs should be based on the different causes of hyperuricemia. If it is due to a uric acid excretion disorder, drugs like probenecid may be used. If it is due to an overproduction of uric acid, medications like allopurinol could be considered. (Please use medication under the guidance of a doctor.)

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Written by Chen Xie
Endocrinology
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How is hyperuricemia treated?

The treatment of hyperuricemia mainly includes the following points: 1. Improve lifestyle primarily, including a low-purine diet, appropriate exercise, smoking cessation, and increased water intake. 2. Alkalize urine using sodium bicarbonate to maintain urine pH value between 6.2 and 6.9, which facilitates the excretion of uric acid. 3. Avoid drugs that increase uric acid levels, such as diuretics, corticosteroids, and insulin. 4. Use medications that lower uric acid levels; drugs that increase uric acid excretion mainly include probenecid and sulfinpyrazone, and drugs that inhibit uric acid synthesis mainly include febuxostat and allopurinol. However, the treatment with these drugs has specific indications, contraindications, and related side effects. It is advised to use medication under the guidance of a doctor and avoid choosing drugs for treatment arbitrarily.