Do a lot of people get gout under the age of 40? In addition to high-purine foods, hand drinks, cakes and snacks are also uric acid killers?
Gout is no longer the “disease of kings”! high-purine and high-sugar foods are the “culprits”
“Gout” was called “the disease of emperors” in ancient times. In the past, it was mostly caused by luxurious diet. Today, modern people’s diet is generally Westernized and refined, and gout has evolved from a disease of emperors to a disease of civilization that occurs to ordinary people.
Dr. Zhang Tinghui from the Department of Allergy, Immunology and Rheumatology of Far Eastern Memorial Hospital said in an exclusive interview with “healthorn” that gout is more likely to occur in obese and overweight people. Taiwan “ranked” the fattest country in East Asia in 2021; obesity has gradually become a health concern for Taiwanese people. Doctors remind that people with poor eating habits, high blood sugar problems, and few exercise habits are prone to gout. Risk groups require special attention.
Dr. Zhang Tinghui explained that the cause of gout is the excessive production of purine in the body, which causes the formation of uric acid crystals in joints throughout the body. Foods containing “high-purine” ingredients can cause excess uric acid in the body and increase the risk of gout. For example, if you consume too much shelled seafood such as shrimps and crabs, animal offal, or drink too much alcohol, the chance of gout attacks will increase. In addition, Taiwanese people love to drink hand-shaken drinks and must eat cakes and snacks for afternoon tea. This type of diet contains a lot of fructose, which is also one of the culprits of gout.
Do young people also get gout? Doctor: Mostly caused by diet or family genetics
Does work and rest affect the occurrence of gout? Dr. Zhang Tinghui explained that current clinical research cannot prove that abnormal work and rest are related to gout, but if the work and rest are disrupted due to “eating late night snacks”, and frequent intake of food containing high purine ingredients, or excessive intake of alcohol, It does increase the chance of gout.
Dr. Zhang Tinghui said that gout mostly occurs in middle-aged people between 40 and 60 years old, but there are also gout patients in their 20s and 30s who seek medical help. Young people like to socialize, eat hot pot and barbecue, and generally have poor eating habits. In the long run, they can easily gain weight and cause gout problems. In addition, gout is obviously hereditary. If parents have a history of gout, their children will have a certain chance of developing gout.
If gout lingers for too long, kidney function may be damaged! “DASH Diet” combined with exercise can help relieve symptoms
Is gout necessary to be treated early to avoid more serious sequelae? Dr. Zhang Tinghui pointed out that gout is caused by uric acid forming crystals and depositing them in various joints of the body. Over time, uric acid crystals will grow larger and larger, forming “tophus”. In severe cases, it will cause damage to joints and bone structures, and may also damage kidney function. Do not be careful.
Dr. Zhang Tinghui said that gout conditions vary in severity. In mild cases, there are opportunities to reduce symptoms through exercise, diet control, and weight loss. Severe gout requires treatment to bring the condition under control. The control of gout is mainly related to daily routine. It is recommended that patients cultivate exercise habits and reduce high-purine and high-sugar diets, so as to have the opportunity to gradually reduce the medication and reduce the chance of recurrence. However, prevention beforehand is better than treatment afterward. Only by maintaining a healthy body can gout not take advantage of it.
Dr. Zhang Tinghui suggested that if people are obese or have problems such as high blood pressure or high blood sugar, they may be at risk for gout. They can consume more fruits and vegetables, whole grains, low-fat dairy products, and lean meats through the “DASH Diet”. Wait for food and improve your eating habits step by step. The doctor explained that the DASH diet was originally a dietary rule for patients with high blood pressure. Studies have found that the DASH diet can also reduce uric acid and prevent gout attacks.
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