Disclaimer: The content of the article is for reference only, the storyline is purely fictional, intended to popularize health knowledge, if you feel unwell, please seek medical attention offline.
Zhang Hao had just finished a delicious seafood feast and leaned back in his chair contentedly. Suddenly, there was a sharp pain in his big toe, as if someone was poking him with a needle.
He frowned, and couldn't help but remember that his friend Wang Ming had also encountered similar symptoms a few days ago. Could it be some kind of epidemic? Or is it related to their usual eating habits? Zhang Hao fell into deep thought, determined to find out the truth.
With a stomach full of questions, Zhang Hao began to search for relevant information on the Internet. He was surprised to find out that he might have gout. This disease seems to be related to abnormal purine metabolism, and high-purine foods are one of the culprits.
Zhang Hao couldn't help but gasp when he recalled the food he had frequently enjoyed recently. Could it be that those seemingly harmless daily diets actually hide hidden health risks?
In the mood of seeking verification, Zhang Hao made an appointment to meet his old friend Dr. Li. After patiently listening to Zhang Hao's description, Dr. Li nodded and said, "Your symptoms are indeed very similar to gout. This disease is becoming more and more common in modern society and is mainly caused by excessive accumulation of uric acid in the body. "
Zhang Hao asked, "So, what foods can cause uric acid to rise?"
Dr Lee explains, "High-purine foods are one of the main reasons. For example, seafood, animal offal, beer, etc., all contain large amounts of purines. However, recent studies have found that a food that many people consume on a daily basis may also be linked to gout. "
Zhang Hao asked curiously, "What kind of food?"
Dr. Li smiled mysteriously, "Guess what."
Zhang Hao racked his brains, but couldn't think of an answer. He couldn't wait to plead with Dr. Lee to reveal the mystery.
Dr. Li said slowly, "It's fructose."
Zhang Hao's eyes widened in surprise: "Fructose? Is it the kind of sugar in the fruits we eat?"
Dr. Lee nodded and said, "That's right." Although the fructose content in the fruit is relatively low, there is no need to worry too much. However, high-fructose corn syrup, which is widely used in the modern food industry, can be a potential risk factor for gout. "
Zhang Hao suddenly realized: "No wonder there are more and more gout patients now." Many of the drinks and snacks we usually drink contain this high-fructose corn syrup, right?"
Dr. Lee agreed, "You're right. According to a study published in the Chinese Medical Journal in 2020, high fructose intake was positively correlated with the risk of gout. The study found that people who consumed more than 50 grams of fructose per day had a nearly 30% higher risk of developing gout than those who consumed a lower amount. "
Zhang Hao said thoughtfully: "It seems that we really need to pay attention to our daily diet." I don't know what other foods I need to pay special attention to?"
Dr. Li patiently explained: "In addition to high-fructose foods, we should also be wary of high-purine foods. According to the Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Gout in China (2016 Edition), high-purine foods mainly include animal offal, seafood, broth, etc. Reducing the intake of these foods in moderation can reduce the risk of gout attacks. "
Zhang Hao nodded thoughtfully, and then asked, "Then how should we prevent gout?"
Dr. Lee advises, "First of all, it's important to maintain a balanced diet. Eat more vegetables and fruits, consume high-quality protein in moderation, and control the intake of high-purine foods. Secondly, it is also crucial to maintain good lifestyle habits. For example, moderate exercise, weight control, quitting smoking and limiting alcohol, etc. Finally, drink plenty of water to promote uric acid excretion. "
Zhang Hao carefully wrote down these suggestions, determined to change his lifestyle starting today. He said gratefully to Dr. Lee, "Thank you for your detailed explanation. I really didn't think that seemingly healthy fruit candy could also become a health hazard. "
Dr. Lee smiled and said, "It's good to know this information, but don't be overly nervous either. Fruit consumption in moderation is still good for health. The key is to eat a balanced diet and avoid excessive intake of any single food. "
Zhang Hao nodded in understanding, and then remembered his friend Wang Ming. He asked, "My friend Wang Ming has had similar symptoms recently, how can I advise him?"
Dr. Lee replied, "You can advise him to go to the hospital for a check-up to confirm whether he has gout. If the diagnosis is confirmed, the doctor will prescribe a treatment plan based on his specific situation. In the meantime, you can share with him the prevention tips we just discussed. "
Zhang Hao said gratefully, "Thank you, Dr. Li. I have benefited a lot from your explanation. I will tell Wang Ming this information, and I will pay more attention to my eating habits. "
After leaving the clinic, Zhang Hao decided to act immediately. He first called Wang Ming, briefly explained the situation, and suggested that he seek medical attention as soon as possible. Then, he went straight to the supermarket to buy some healthy ingredients that are low in purines and fructose.
In the supermarket, Zhang Hao carefully checked the ingredient list of each food. He was surprised to find that many of the foods that he normally considered "healthy" actually contained high-fructose corn syrup. This ingredient can be found in fruit juices, yogurt, energy bars, and even some so-called "healthy cereals".
Zhang Hao realized that it would not be easy to avoid high-fructose foods completely. He decided to start by reducing his intake and gradually adjust his diet. He buys plenty of fresh vegetables, whole grains, legumes and other low-purine ingredients to prepare healthy meals at home.
After returning home, Zhang Hao began to seriously study how to make delicious and healthy low-purine meals. He consulted several cookbooks and searched the web for a large number of recipes. Gradually, he discovered that a low-purine diet didn't mean giving up on good food.
After a period of adjustment, Zhang Hao was pleasantly surprised to find that his gout symptoms had been significantly reduced. Not only that, but his overall health has also improved significantly. He lost a little weight, he had more energy, and even the digestive problems that had been bothering him for a long time were alleviated.
Seeing these positive changes, Zhang Hao has strengthened his determination to adhere to a healthy lifestyle. He began sharing his experiences and healthy recipes on social media, hoping to help more people realize the importance of daily diet for health.
One day, Zhang Hao received a message from Wang Ming. It turned out that after Wang Ming went to the hospital for examination as recommended, he was indeed diagnosed with mild gout. While receiving treatment, Wang Ming also began to adjust his eating habits. He gratefully told Zhang Hao that thanks to timely detection and adjustment, his symptoms were well controlled.
This experience made Zhang Hao deeply realize that health is often in his own hands. Seemingly insignificant everyday choices can add up to a significant impact on the body. He is determined to continue to explore healthy living and share his findings with more people.
Zhang Hao's story has struck a chord with many people. More and more people are starting to pay attention to their eating habits, especially the intake of high-fructose foods. Some food companies have also taken notice of this trend and are starting to launch product lines with low fructose or no added sugar.
At the same time, the medical community is also continuing to study the relationship between fructose and gout. A review published in the Chinese Journal of Endocrinology and Metabolism in 2022 pointed out that although there is an association between fructose and gout, the specific mechanism still needs further research. However, experts agree that controlling the intake of high-fructose foods has a positive effect on the prevention of gout and the maintenance of overall health.
Zhang's experience tells us that paying attention to your daily diet and understanding the impact of food on your health is crucial to preventing disease. While enjoying food, we must also learn to choose wisely, balance nutrition, and protect our health. After all, a healthy body is the foundation for enjoying life. Let's work together to create a healthier and better future through a science-based diet and lifestyle!