How can gout patients lower uric acid levels?
Disease description:
I have been suffering greatly from gout, with unbearable joint pain during flare-ups. I really want to know how to lower uric acid levels now. Gout patients often experience redness, swelling, heat, and pain in the joints, which significantly affect daily life. I would like to know what effective methods are available to lower uric acid, besides dietary control?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Yang Tiesheng
Gout is a crystalline arthritis caused by hyperuricemia, and its core treatment goal is to reduce blood uric acid levels. The following are some treatment methods to lower uric acid:
1. Lifestyle modifications: Dietary control is fundamental. Reduce intake of high-purine foods, such as organ meats, seafood, and red meat; increase consumption of low-fat dairy products and foods rich in vitamin C, such as fresh fruits and vegetables. Maintain moderate exercise and avoid obesity.
2. Increase fluid intake: Ensure daily fluid intake exceeds 2000 mL, which helps increase urine output, dilute uric acid, and promote its excretion.
3. Drink milk: Consume an appropriate amount of milk, especially skim milk, as it contains lower levels of purines and can help promote uric acid excretion.
4. Eat more fresh fruits: For example, cherries are rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory components, which can help reduce uric acid levels.
5. Medication: For patients whose uric acid levels cannot be effectively controlled through lifestyle modifications, uric acid-lowering drugs should be considered. The main medications include allopurinol or febuxostat, which inhibit uric acid production, and benzbromarone, which promotes uric acid excretion.
