Expert: Duan Ting, Director of the Rheumatology Department, Beijing Friendship Hospital
Mr. Ye, who is over fifty, recently received several friends from out of town in Beijing. Unexpectedly, after seeing off his friends, Mr. Ye's ankles and knees began to hurt. A week later, the pain not only did not subside but gradually worsened. He had to come to Beijing Friendship Hospital. After a careful inquiry, the doctor learned that during the period of entertaining his friends, Mr. Ye had been consuming a diet rich in fish, shrimp, meat, and other high-protein foods. This caused a significant increase in uric acid levels, leading to a diagnosis of "gout."
The expert suggests that for the prevention and treatment of gout, one should follow a "three more, three less" dietary principle: Drink more water, and less soup. Gout patients should drink more plain water and less meat, fish, chicken, or hot pot soups. Drinking more water is also a treatment method, as it can dilute uric acid, accelerate its excretion, and lower uric acid levels. In contrast, soup contains a large amount of purines, which not only fails to dilute uric acid but can actually cause it to increase. Gout patients can eat boiled meat but not the soup, as up to 50% of the purines may have dissolved into it. Eat more alkaline foods and fewer acidic foods. Consuming too many acidic foods can worsen the condition and hinder recovery. Eating more alkaline foods helps supplement potassium and sodium, maintaining the body's acid-base balance. Eat more vegetables and less rice. Eating more vegetables helps reduce purine intake, increase Vitamin C, and increase fiber. Eating less rice helps control calorie intake, limit weight, and aid in weight loss and lipid reduction.