Unmasking the "Purine Kings": Health Truths You Might Not Know

Unmasking the "Purine Kings": Health Truths You Might Not KnowChen Hao'tong, a retired railway worker, exercised daily but was baffled by a new term "purine kings." It turned out, Zhang, his neighbor, had been diagnosed with high uric acid, and her doctor advised her to limit certain foods

Unmasking the "Purine Kings": Health Truths You Might Not Know

Chen Hao'tong, a retired railway worker, exercised daily but was baffled by a new term "purine kings." It turned out, Zhang, his neighbor, had been diagnosed with high uric acid, and her doctor advised her to limit certain foods. Curiosity got the better of Chen, prompting him to consult the experienced Dr. Zhao about "purines."

Dr. Zhao explained that purines are naturally occurring chemical substances found in food. Our bodies also produce purines, which are essential for nucleic acid and energy metabolism. However, excessive purine intake, especially in certain individuals, can increase uric acid production. Long-term accumulation can lead to gout or other related diseases.

"What should we do then?" Chen asked anxiously. Dr. Zhao replied, "Pay attention to overall dietary habits. For example, high-purine foods like seafood, red meat, and offal should be consumed in moderation. According to a large-scale nutritional survey conducted in China, about 15% of adults have high uric acid levels, which is closely related to poor dietary habits."

Besides limiting high-purine foods, Dr. Zhao also suggested Chen increase his fruit intake, especially fruits rich in vitamin C, as it can help lower uric acid levels in the body. Additionally, adequate water intake can promote uric acid excretion, maintaining good metabolic function and reducing its accumulation.

"What else should Zhang, with high uric acid, pay attention to in her daily life?" Chen asked. Dr. Zhao listed some lifestyle tips, such as avoiding alcohol, controlling weight, and regular checkups.

As the conversation deepened, Chen gained a more comprehensive understanding of "purine kings." He realized that a healthy lifestyle is not just about limiting high-purine foods, but a holistic approach to life. He decided to adjust their diet with his wife, striving for a long and healthy life.

Over time, not only Chen's lifestyle changed significantly, but also his neighbors were influenced. They began inviting Dr. Zhao to their community, spreading awareness about uric acid and purines. This change, initially driven by fear and avoidance of a disease, eventually evolved into a positive shift in attitude towards a healthier lifestyle.

As the community's understanding of uric acid and purines deepened, Chen and his neighbors started paying more attention to their daily diet and health management. After interacting with numerous patients, Dr. Zhao discovered a crucial yet often overlooked factor: mental stress significantly impacts uric acid levels.

In today's fast-paced and stressful lives, even with good dietary management, excessive mental stress can lead to abnormal uric acid levels. Dr. Zhao routinely inquired about his patients' stress levels and analyzed their data. He observed that those with high work pressure, frequent overtime, and inadequate sleep often had high uric acid levels, regardless of their relatively healthy diet.

This realization made him understand that dietary adjustments alone cannot fully control uric acid levels. A comprehensive approach to lifestyle adjustment, particularly stress management, is crucial. He started explaining to his patients, "You know, our bodies are like sophisticated chemical laboratories. Not only do the type and amount of food affect the laboratory's reactions, but our emotions and stress levels also significantly impact these chemical processes."

Moreover, Dr. Zhao noticed a direct correlation between exercise types and intensity with uric acid levels. He pointed out, "While regular exercise is beneficial, excessive high-intensity exercise, especially without adequate rest, can also temporarily elevate uric acid levels."

Based on this finding, Dr. Zhao began recommending light to moderate exercise such as brisk walking, swimming, or yoga, which help alleviate stress without causing drastic fluctuations in uric acid. He also advised patients to engage in thorough stretching and relaxation after exercise, facilitating the body's return to a balanced metabolic state.

To help patients better manage stress, Dr. Zhao suggested they explore various psychological relaxation techniques, such as meditation, deep breathing, or seeking psychological counseling. He explained, "Mental relaxation and balance play a crucial role in preventing high uric acid and gout caused by mental stress."

After implementing Dr. Zhao's advice, Chen found that his uric acid levels improved significantly, along with his overall mental and physical health. He started sharing his experience with his neighbors during their daily interactions, gradually spreading this healthy lifestyle within the community.

One day, Chen visited Dr. Zhao again, with some specific questions: "Dr. Zhao, I've been managing stress as you suggested, and feel much more relaxed. I wonder if there are any other small details in daily life that can help me further control my uric acid?"

Dr. Zhao smiled and replied, "Chen, you're doing great. I have a small suggestion that might help make sure you drink enough water. Aim for at least eight glasses of water daily, which helps dilute uric acid in the blood and promote its excretion through urine. Simply drinking water is an effective weapon against high uric acid."

What are your thoughts on "purine kings"? Let's discuss in the comments!

References

[1] Zhang Zhiyong, Clinical observation of the treatment of hyperuricemia with damp-heat syndrome by Jiawei Dihuangfenqingyin, 2024-10-15

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