Running fasting can provide benefits for the health of our bodies. Some of the benefits of fasting are being able to prevent heart disease and reduce cholesterol and high blood levels. In addition, it turns out that the benefits of fasting for gout sufferers are also extraordinary. The benefits of fasting for gout sufferers are very important for some people who suffer from it. So what are the benefits of fasting for gout sufferers?
What is gout?
Gout is a condition that can cause unbearable pain symptoms, swelling, and a burning sensation in joints. Uric acid often attacks parts of the body, such as joints of the fingers, knees, ankles and toes. People with gout will usually experience symptoms that develop very rapidly in the first few hours. The pain can last for about three to ten days.
Swelling that occurs not only in the joints, in the area around the joints can also occur with reddish skin color. At this stage the person suffering from gout is not able to move freely as usual. The cause of the symptoms of pain and swelling is the puncture of sharp crystals around the joint area. This is formed due to a buildup of uric acid substances.
How is the relationship between fasting and uric acid?
When fasting, the food intake consumed will be limited, including foods containing purine substances. Purine substances are limited into the body. This can control uric acid levels to remain good. Purines in small amounts can provide benefits to the body. However, if in excessive amounts it can result in accumulation of uric acid levels that cannot be excreted by the body. That’s what causes you to get uric acid.
Meanwhile, fasting in the context of checking uric acid is done, to be able to get the results of an accurate examination. The results of these examinations are useful for establishing a diagnosis. In fact, the nutritional content in the food and drinks consumed before the medical examination will be absorbed into the blood. This is able to have a direct impact on the levels of blood glucose, fat and iron in the body.
What is the normal level of uric acid?
Uric acid levels are said to be normal, ranging from 3.5 to 7.2 mg / dl. Even so, normal values can vary from person to person. It depends on gender, age, overall health and lifestyle. Meanwhile, a person diagnosed with gout should maintain a uric acid level of approximately 6 mg / dl.
Also Read: 15 abstinence from gout that you should absolutely avoid
Factors causing high uric acid levels
The cause of this gout disease is that the uric acid level in the blood is too high. There are several other factors that can increase uric acid levels, so you are at risk for this disease. Let’s see!
High-purine foods and drinks
Foods and drinks that are high in purines are the most common causes of uric acid. Excess intake of croton contained in food can increase levels of natural purines in the body. This results in the kidneys being distracted to flush out excess purine. Foods that can cause high uric acid levels are as follows.
- Alcohol. People who frequently consume alcohol are more at risk of developing gout.
- Soft and Sweet Drinks. Too much consumption of sweet and fizzy drinks can cause uric acid, because it contains high sugar.
- Certain Green Vegetables. Types of green vegetables that can cause uric acid include kale, spinach and cauliflower. Because these vegetables contain purines.
- Meat and Seafood. Animal meat, especially red meat, can cause higher uric acid. Besides consuming seafood such as shellfish, shrimp, crab, lobster, it can also cause gout. The purine content in animal meat and seafood is very high.
Take certain drugs
Taking diuretic drugs in the long term puts you at risk for gout. In fact, this type of drug can make you urinate more often. This can reduce the amount of fluid in the body. If there is less fluid in the blood, it can inhibit the process of uric acid removal by the kidneys.
The uric acid left in the body will settle and become crystals in the joint area. This is what ultimately causes gout to occur at a later date. The side effects of pain relievers such as aspirin, or in small doses, can increase uric acid levels. This is because aspirin in low doses can interfere with the process of removing uric acid from the kidneys.
Have certain medical conditions
Naturally, the kidneys will balance the purine levels in the body. However, the process can be slow for people with certain medical conditions such as the following.
- The thyroid gland regulates all body systems. However, if the function of the thyroid gland is inactive and has decreased, it can slow down the work of the kidneys to process and remove the remaining uric acid.
- Having psoriosis is a possible factor in causing gout. Untreated gout, it is likely to cause joint damage. Damaged joints are thought to be able to cause cells to change rapidly, as well as cause systemic inflammation, such as psoriasis.
Age and Gender
Gout is a disease that can affect anyone and any age. Adult men aged 40-50 years are more prone to experience gout. The risk for women suffering from uric acid will be higher, when it has entered menopause. This is because the female hormone estrogen, while still fertile, can help increase uric acid removal by the kidneys.
Excess weight
Excess body weight can be one of the factors causing gout. When a person is overweight, their body will produce a lot of insulin. The levels of insulin in the body in higher amounts can prevent the kidneys from working to get rid of uric acid.
Exercise rarely
Rarely doing exercise is one of the causes of gout to appear. Regular exercise can prevent weight gain. This will allow the heart to pump blood flow smoothly to filter uric acid. Diligent exercise can train the body’s joints so they are not stiff and healthy. This can prevent the joints from feeling painful and experiencing inflammation. One of them is because of uric acid.
Types of foods that can fight uric acid
In people with gout, it is necessary to pay attention to choosing foods. This is because some foods can make uric acid levels higher. So what types of food are good for gout sufferers? Here’s the explanation.
Berries and Apples
Foods for people with gout are berries and apples. Berries, especially strawberries and blueberries, have very high anti-inflammatory properties. This property is able to control inflammation in the joints. As for apples, it is rich malid acid which is very good for people with gout. Apples can reduce pain caused by gout.
Salmon
Salmon is one type of food that can reduce uric acid levels. Salmon can reduce swelling and inflammation in the joint area. In addition, salmon which is low in acid and saturated fat can reduce uric acid and cholesterol in the body.
Pinto beans and dart
Pinto and gourd beans are foods that can be used to reduce uric acid levels. Pinto beans are high in folic acid. This is effective for lowering uric acid levels naturally, as is the case with dwarf.
Hope it is useful!!