The best method for lowering uric acid
Disease description:
The other day, I took my father for a medical checkup, and the report showed that his uric acid level was elevated. I would like to ask the doctor what are some effective ways to lower uric acid?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Yang Tiesheng
Uric acid is a waste product generated during the metabolism of purines in the human body. Normally, uric acid is excreted from the body through the kidneys. However, when there is excessive production of uric acid or insufficient excretion, the level of uric acid in the blood rises, which may increase the risk of gout, atherosclerosis, kidney disease, and other conditions. In clinical practice, the main approaches to lower uric acid levels for the prevention or treatment of gout and hyperuricemia include the following:
1. Improving lifestyle: Avoid consumption of high-purine foods such as meat and seafood, while increasing intake of low-purine foods such as fruits, vegetables, and coix seed. Maintain a healthy weight, quit smoking and drinking alcohol, and drink plenty of water daily, especially soda water or weak alkaline water, to promote uric acid excretion.
2. Moderate exercise: Recommended forms of exercise include aerobic activities such as swimming, tai chi, jogging, and hiking. These activities not only help reduce uric acid levels but also enhance immune function.
3. Medication therapy: Based on the patient's specific condition, doctors may prescribe medications. Commonly used drugs include uricosuric agents like benzbromarone, which promote uric acid excretion, and xanthine oxidase inhibitors such as allopurinol and febuxostat, which suppress uric acid production.
