Many people think that only joint pain is a sign of a gout attack, but the deposition of uric acid crystals in the joints is a slow process that often forms before the pain appears. Therefore, even if you don't have pain in your joints yet, it's important to have your uric acid levels checked regularly.
The relationship between uric acid and gout
Uric acid is the end product of purine metabolism and is mainly excreted by the kidneys. Normally, uric acid levels in the human body are maintained in a dynamic equilibrium. However, when uric acid is produced too much or excreted less, the concentration of uric acid in the blood increases, causing hyperuricemia. In the environment of persistent high uric acid, urate crystals are easily deposited in joints, kidneys and other parts, which eventually leads to gout attacks.
Common symptoms of gout include acute arthritis attacks, tophi formation, chronic arthritis, and joint deformities. In particular, patients with hyperuricemia, even if they have no symptoms, need regular check-ups to prevent the deposition of uric acid crystals.
Why should I check for uric acid even if my joints don't hurt?
Many people tend to neglect to pay attention to uric acid levels when they don't experience joint pain. However, the development of gout is a chronic process, and the deposition of urate crystals may take place silently. Once symptoms appear, it often means that the condition has progressed to a certain extent. Therefore, even if the joint is not painful, regular checking of uric acid levels is an important measure to prevent gout.
For gout, it is important to prevent uric acid crystals
1. Rational food
Limit your intake of high-purine foods, such as red meat, organ meats, seafood (e.g., shrimp, crab, shellfish, etc.), and alcoholic beverages, especially beer.
Increase your intake of low-purine foods, such as fresh vegetables, fruits (especially those rich in vitamin C, such as cherries), whole grains, and low-fat dairy products.
Reduce sugar intake, especially processed foods and beverages that contain high fructose corn syrup, as fructose may increase uric acid levels.
2. Maintain adequate water intake
Drinking plenty of water can help dilute uric acid in your urine and reduce the risk of uric acid crystallization. It is recommended to drink at least 8 glasses of water a day, especially in hot weather or after exercise, and need to increase water intake.
3. Exercise moderately
Regular moderate-intensity physical activity, such as brisk walking, jogging, swimming, etc., helps boost metabolism and blood circulation, which helps the body excrete uric acid more efficiently.
4. Avoid lack of exercise for a long time
Being sedentary for long periods of time may increase the risk of uric acid crystallization. If you sit for long periods of time for work or lifestyle, it is recommended to stand up and move every once in a while.
5. Limit alcohol intake
Alcohol can interfere with the excretion of uric acid, especially beer, because it contains higher levels of purines and yeast. Try to avoid or limit alcohol intake.
6. Regular inspection
Even in the absence of gout symptoms, regular uric acid level testing and UUE uric acid typing are recommended to detect and manage hyperuricemia in a timely manner.
7. Medication (if necessary)
For patients with hyperuricemia who cannot control uric acid levels through lifestyle modifications, urate-lowering drugs such as allopurinol, febuxostat, or probenecid are recommended.