People with hyperuricemia are very careful about their diet, but often overlook one key aspect: drinking water.
In fact, drinking water correctly is also crucial for controlling uric acid levels.
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Drinking plenty of water can promote uric acid excretion
Increase urine output:
As water intake increases, so does the amount of urine produced and excreted. This increases the chances of uric acid being excreted from the body through the urine and helps maintain the balance of uric acid levels in the blood.
Diluted uric acid:
Drinking enough water can dilute the uric acid in the blood, making it less concentrated. When uric acid concentration decreases, uric acid dissolves more easily in the urine, which promotes the excretion of uric acid.
Helps the kidneys filter:
The kidneys are the main organ for uric acid excretion, and adequate water intake helps the kidneys filter uric acid from the blood more efficiently. Water can also help dissolve urate crystals and avoid their deposition in the kidneys, reducing the risk of kidney stones.
Promote uric acid excretion pathway:
Water can also help uric acid to be excreted smoothly through the urine, reducing uric acid retention in the body. This helps prevent uric acid deposition in joints and soft tissues, reducing the risk of gout attacks.
Maintain water balance in the body:
Drinking a moderate amount of water also helps to maintain the water balance in the body, and also has a positive effect on regulating the excretion of uric acid. When the body is not hydrated, the kidneys may reduce urine production, resulting in decreased uric acid excretion, which increases blood uric acid levels.
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How much water to drink per day
At least 2 liters of water
The World Health Organization recommends that adults drink at least 2 litres of water per day, and this includes all beverages and hydrated foods. For patients with high uric acid, this amount may need to be increased depending on their specific situation.
Based on urine output
Patients with high uric acid should make sure they have an adequate urine output, usually at least 2000 ml per day. If urine output is insufficient, you may need to increase your water intake.
Avoid dehydration
Dehydration can worsen symptoms of hyperuricemia, so people with high uric acid should avoid dehydration. Drink more water in a hot or dry environment, or after strenuous exercise.
Individual differences
Everyone's water needs are different, depending on age, gender, weight, climatic conditions, activity level, and health. People with high uric acid should adjust their water intake based on their body signals, such as thirst, urine color, and urine specific gravity.
Avoid drinking too much water
While adequate water intake is important for people with high uric acid, drinking too much water can also lead to an imbalance of electrolyte balance in the body, known as water intoxication. Therefore, patients with high uric acid should avoid drinking too much water, especially not drinking large amounts of water in a short period of time.
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What is the best water to drink if uric acid is high
Purified water
Purified water is the most ideal choice because it does not contain any ingredients that may affect uric acid levels. It can help thin uric acid in the blood and promote the excretion of uric acid.
Weak tea
Tea contains polyphenols, which can promote the excretion of uric acid. However, tea brewed with high strength of tea leaves should be avoided as they may contain higher purine content.
Vegetable juice
Certain vegetable juices, such as broccoli juice and cucumber juice, contain lower purine levels while providing other healthy nutrients. However, care should be taken not to drink too much, as some vegetable juices may be higher in natural sugars.
Fruit juice
While fruit juices are higher in water, they may also be higher in fructose and purines. Therefore, the consumption of fruit juices with high sugar content, especially those with bright colors, should be limited, as they may contain higher purines.
Carbonated water
Carbonated water can help stimulate gastric acid secretion, which promotes the excretion of uric acid. However, sugary carbonated beverages should be avoided as they may increase uric acid levels.