Hyperuricemia: A battle with "acid"

With the improvement of living standards, people's dietary structure has also changed greatly. High-purine foods such as seafood, meat, and animal offal have become common on the table. However, this change in eating habits has brought about a health problem that cannot be ignored - hyperuricemia. This article will take you to understand the hazards, prevention and treatment of hyperuricemia. Let us fight against "acid" together and protect our health.

1. Hyperuricemia: Know this invisible killer

Hyperuricemia refers to abnormal uric acid metabolism in the body, which leads to elevated uric acid levels. Although uric acid is a naturally occurring substance in the human body, when uric acid levels are too high, it can cause great harm to the body. Long-term hyperuricemia may cause gout, joint pain, kidney disease and other complications, and in severe cases may even be life-threatening.

2. The hazards of hyperuricemia: complications that cannot be ignored

Gout: Gout is one of the most common complications of hyperuricemia. When gout attacks, the patient's joints become red, swollen, hot and painful, and in severe cases, they may even be unable to walk. Long-term gout not only affects the patient's quality of life, but also causes irreversible damage to the joints.

Kidney disease: Hyperuricemia can damage kidney function and lead to kidney stones, chronic renal insufficiency and other diseases. These kidney diseases are not only difficult to treat, but may also cause other serious health problems.

Cardiovascular disease: Hyperuricemia may also increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. Studies have shown that hyperuricemia is closely related to the occurrence of cardiovascular diseases such as hypertension and coronary heart disease.

3. Prevention of hyperuricemia: a reasonable diet is the key

Control purine intake: Reduce the intake of high-purine foods, such as seafood, meat, animal offal, etc. Eat low-purine foods appropriately, such as vegetables, fruits, grains, etc.

Limit alcohol consumption: Alcohol inhibits the excretion of uric acid, which can lead to elevated uric acid levels. Therefore, reducing alcohol consumption or quitting drinking is important for preventing hyperuricemia.

Drink more water: Drinking more water can help promote the excretion of uric acid and reduce uric acid levels. It is recommended to drink no less than 2000 ml of water per day.

Maintain a healthy weight: Obesity increases the burden on the kidneys and affects uric acid metabolism. Maintaining a healthy weight helps prevent the occurrence of hyperuricemia.

Regular physical examinations: Perform regular kidney function tests and monitor uric acid levels to detect and treat hyperuricemia in a timely manner.

IV. Treatment of hyperuricemia: comprehensive treatment is the best way

Drug treatment: For patients with confirmed hyperuricemia, doctors will prescribe uric acid-lowering drugs according to the patient's specific situation, such as allopurinol, probenecid, etc. Patients should strictly follow the doctor's instructions when taking medications and avoid increasing or decreasing the dose or changing the medication on their own.

Lifestyle adjustment: In addition to drug treatment, patients also need to pay attention to adjusting their lifestyle, including diet control, smoking cessation, alcohol restriction, and proper exercise, etc. These measures can help lower uric acid levels, reduce the burden on the kidneys, and prevent complications.

Regular follow-up: During treatment, patients should undergo regular renal function tests to monitor changes in uric acid levels. When uric acid levels drop to the normal range, they still need to maintain a healthy lifestyle and undergo regular follow-up to prevent recurrence.

5. Conclusion: Fight against "acid" and protect your health

Hyperuricemia is a common metabolic disease, and its harm to health cannot be ignored. By understanding the hazards, prevention and treatment of hyperuricemia, we can better protect our health. In life, we should pay attention to diet control, maintain a healthy lifestyle, and have regular physical examinations.