Care for Gout Patients (Ⅱ)
Care for Gout Patients (Ⅱ)
1.Maintain a reasonable temperature
In cold temperatures, uric acid crystals are more likely to accumulate and precipitate, leading to gout flare-ups. Therefore, especially in the cold winter, gout patients should wear lightweight, warm clothing and shoes, drink warm water, and keep the body in a warm and comfortable state. In summer, it is also important not to overindulge in cold environments, as excessive air conditioning may also trigger gout.
2.Pay attention to proper diet
(1) Consume low-purine foods and avoid high-purine diets. Gout patients can eat cherries to promote uric acid excretion and include bananas, broccoli, celery, pears, and other vegetables, fruits, and whole grains in their diet. A combination of vegetables, fruits, and whole grains is even more effective.
(2) Encourage patients to drink plenty of water, with a daily requirement of 3000 ml, maintaining a daily urine output greater than 1500 ml. Proper hydration helps in metabolism, detoxification, and the elimination of accumulated uric acid. However, it is crucial not to withhold urine, as retained urine in the kidneys can lead to uric acid crystal deposition in the joints, worsening gouty arthritis.
(3) Strictly prohibit the consumption of alcoholic beverages (especially beer), alcohol-containing drinks, and sugary beverages, and avoid sweets containing fructose. Gout patients can consider moderate consumption of coffee and low-fat milk to reduce the risk of gout.
(4) Adopt a low-protein diet, including foods such as tomatoes, black sesame, wood ear mushrooms, carrots, bitter gourd, winter melon, oats, buckwheat, etc., to reduce purine intake.
(5) Consume fewer high-cholesterol foods, and avoid seafood and animal organs.
3.Engage in moderate physical exercise
(1) During the remission period of gout, enhance physical exercise to maintain a healthy lifestyle. However, during acute attacks with severe pain, rest in bed, elevate the affected limb as much as possible, take medication on time, and use local treatments or moxibustion as needed.
(2) Recommend exercising for 30 minutes every day, five days a week. The daily 30-minute exercise can be divided into three parts, with ten minutes of exercise each time, three times a day. Ensure a total exercise time of over 150 minutes per week. Choose joint-friendly activities such as walking, swimming, yoga, etc.
(3) When body weight exceeds the normal range, weight reduction can lower uric acid levels. However, weight loss should be gradual, as rapid weight loss may lead to a sudden increase in uric acid levels.
4.Maintain stable emotions
Emotional well-being significantly affects the body. For gout patients, managing emotions is crucial. Stress and tension can lead to increased metabolic rates, fatigue, and elevated uric acid levels. Therefore, it is essential for gout patients to manage stress effectively. Engaging with nature, participating in aerobic exercises, and maintaining a positive and relaxed mood are important considerations for emotional well-being.
