The Danger of High Uric Acid 1. High Uric Acid is No Longer Exclusive to Middle-aged and Elderly People Increasingly, young people are being diagnosed with high uric acid levels, indicating that gout is no longer considered an "old-age disease." In China alone, over 150 million people have been diagnosed with high uric acid, with more than 14.66 million of them being young adults between 18 and 35 years old.

2. How Does High Uric Acid Affect Young People?

The production of uric acid in the body is mainly through purine metabolism, which is influenced by both diet and metabolism. Food intake accounts for only about 20% of uric acid production, while the rest is produced by the body. Factors such as kidney and intestinal problems can lead to the accumulation of uric acid in the body, causing high uric acid levels and eventually gout.

3. Can You still Consume Fruit Juices and Fruits if You Have High Uric Acid? Fructose, found in fruit juices, promotes purine synthesis and reduces the excretion of uric acid by the kidneys. While fruits contain fructose, they also contain a high amount of water and fiber, which helps in the excretion of uric acid.

However, fruits like lychee, longan, grapes, and pineapple should be consumed in moderation. Fruit juices, on the other hand, lack the fiber content found in whole fruits and can increase uric acid levels due to their high sugar content.

4. The Dangers of High Uric Acid Extend Beyond Gout High uric acid levels not only lead to gout but also pose risks to various organs in the body: - Heart: Uric acid crystals can accumulate and block coronary arteries, leading to heart complications such as myocardial ischemia and infarction.

- Kidneys: Chronic high uric acid levels can cause kidney stones and impair kidney function. - Blood Vessels: Deposits of uric acid in blood vessel walls can lead to endothelial damage and blood clot formation. - Brain: High uric acid levels are associated with an increased risk of stroke and cerebrovascular disease.

To maintain normal uric acid levels, it is important to: 1. Avoid high-purine foods and maintain a balanced diet. 2. Limit alcohol consumption. 3. Stay hydrated and ensure regular urination. 4. Engage in regular exercise. In conclusion, high uric acid levels are a serious concern, especially for young people. Prevention is key, and adopting healthy habits, maintaining a balanced diet, and regular check-ups are essential for maintaining good health.