Gout is a form of inflammatory arthritis that can cause pain and discomfort, primarily affecting the joints. The painful condition of a gout attack is a consequence of high uric acid levels in the blood, leading to the formation of sharp crystals in the joints.

Gout is primarily associated with overindulgence in purine-rich foods and alcohol.

Uric acid is a natural waste product that your body produces when it breaks down purines – substances found in certain foods and beverages.

Under normal circumstances, uric acid is filtered through the kidneys and expelled from the body in urine. However, if your body produces too much uric acid, or if your kidneys can't remove it efficiently, the excess uric acid can build up in your blood, leading to gout.

The combination of overindulgence of high-purine delicacies and insufficient water intake can lead to excruciating gout attacks.

These high-purine foods include:

• Sodium-Rich Delights: Dishes that are brimming with sodium, a known gout trigger.

• Seafood and Red Meat: Overindulging seafood and red meat can contribute to elevated uric acid levels.

• Processed Culprits: Processed foods are often packed with unhealthy preservatives and high purine content.

• Sugary Concoctions: High fructose drinks can also elevate uric acid adding to the gout risk.

• Alcohol: A well-known contributor to gout.

Combatting the Gout Challenge

To enjoy Malaysia's culinary wonders without falling victim to gout, it's essential to stay vigilant. Here's how:

1. Hydration is Key: Drink plenty of plain water throughout the day to help flush out excess uric acid.

2. Balanced Diet: Aim for balance. Consume rural, leafy greens, and low-purine options to offset your dietary choices.

3. Moderate Indulgence: During festive seasons, enjoy your favourite dishes in moderation. Savour the flavours without going overboard.

4. Exercise Regularly: Maintaining a healthy weight and staying active can help manage gout and its symptoms.

5. Medication and Medical Guidance: If you're at risk or already dealing with gout, consult a healthcare professional before consuming any medication that can help reduce your uric acid content.

What is a urinary alkalinizer and how it can help¹?

Ural® is an effective urinary alkalinizer. Made in Australia, Ural is a sugar-free, lemon-flavoured alkalinizer that is palatable and easy to consume.

The sodium bicarbonate, sodium citrate, and citric acid* in the Ural® increase the excretion of bicarbonate ions in the urine and raise the pH value of urine. A rise in urinary pH makes the urine more alkaline and hence promotes the dissolution of uric acid crystals. By maintaining alkaline urine, the actual dissolution of uric acid crystals may be accomplished.

Ural helps to prevent the crystallization of uric acid crystals in gout therapy and the dissolution of uric acid stones. Ural® can help reduce your uric acid levels. 

Malaysians are fortunate to reside in a culinary paradise, but it's essential to savour the flavours while keeping an eye on our health. We must stay hydrated, eat balanced diets, and make sensible choices.

*This is not the full ingredient of Ural®. The full ingredients of Ural® consist of sodium bicarbonate, citric acid, sodium citrate, and tartaric acid.

Ural is available in all leading pharmacies nationwide.

Reference:

1. Ural Malaysia PI, Apr 2022.

   KKLIU 3277 / EXP 31.12.2025

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The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of Malaysiakini.