Gout is primarily characterized by redness, swelling, and pain in the joints. As a metabolic disease, gout can cause a cascade of harm to the body.
Diabetes
The uric acid that the body cannot metabolize forms urate crystals that damage pancreatic cells, reducing the body’s sensitivity to insulin and increasing the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Studies show that 26% of people with gout also have diabetes.
Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Diseases
Urate crystals can irritate the walls of blood vessels, leading to atherosclerosis and ultimately causing coronary heart disease, hypertension, stroke, and other cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases.
A study involving over 70,000 participants showed that compared to those who maintained lower levels of uric acid, those with consistently higher levels had a 42% increased risk of myocardial infarction.
Kidney Disease
Excessive uric acid excretion can easily form crystals, which can lead to urinary tract stones. More seriously, long-term deposition of urate in the renal parenchyma can cause chronic interstitial nephritis, leading to chronic kidney damage.
If a large amount of uric acid crystals are deposited in the renal tubules and interstitium, causing acute urinary obstruction, it can induce acute uric acid nephropathy, and even suddenly lead to oliguria or anuria, resulting in acute uremia.
Erectile Dysfunction
Research found that compared to the general population, patients with hyperuricemia have a 59% increased probability of experiencing erectile dysfunction.
Sleep Disorders
A survey by the University of Alabama in the United States revealed that about 23% of gout patients suffer from sleep disorders, with sleep apnea accounting for 17% of the total number of respondents, a figure significantly higher than that of the non-gout population.
Lowering Uric Acid: Self-Management is Key
Dietary structure and lifestyle are central to treating gout. Experts say, “Good living habits can not only reduce uric acid but also decrease the probability of urate crystal deposition induced by other factors, thereby lowering the risk of gout flare-ups.”
Diet
The diet should follow the principle of “high carbohydrates, moderate protein, and low fat.”
✦ Carbohydrates such as rice and flour should account for 55%-60% of total calories, which can reduce ketone production from fat breakdown and facilitate urate excretion;
✦ Protein should account for 11%-15% of total calories, typically with a daily intake of 0.8-1 grams per kilogram of body weight;
✦ The remaining calories should come from fat, usually 40-50 grams per day.
At the same time, avoid alcohol, seafood, animal offal, and other high-purine foods, eat more fruits and vegetables, and drink plenty of water. It is recommended to drink at least 1700 milliliters of water per day, but those with renal insufficiency or abnormal cardiopulmonary function should follow medical advice regarding water intake.
Exercise
Studies show that engaging in 3-5 sessions of moderate-intensity exercise per week, such as jogging, yoga, Tai Chi, or Baduanjin, can effectively lower uric acid levels and reduce gout attacks.
Stretching exercises are also beneficial, such as frequently moving fingers, toes, elbows, knees, etc.
Weight Loss
Losing weight is an important task in treating gout. Research indicates that a weight loss of ≥4 kilograms reduces the risk of hyperuricemia by 56%; a reduction in waist circumference of ≥6 centimeters decreases the risk of hyperuricemia by 55%.