What precautions should individuals with high uric acid levels take during Dashain?

 What precautions should individuals with high uric acid levels take during Dashain?

Since uric acid levels tend to rise during Dashain, it is advised to limit the consumption of purine-rich meats—such as goat, buffalo, liver, and kidneys—and instead incorporate vegetables and salads into one's diet.

The very mention of Dashain brings to mind meat dishes, delicious food, and gatherings with relatives. Many people believe that regardless of what they eat throughout the rest of the year, Dashain is a time to indulge in tasty food and enjoy themselves.

During this period, some people also consume more meat, often accompanied by beer or other alcoholic beverages. Even those who are usually very mindful of their diet tend to overindulge during Dashain.

After all, festivals are meant for eating and having a good time!

However, the dietary experience during Dashain is not the same for everyone. In particular, those prone to high uric acid levels need to be extra careful with their food choices; giving in to the temptation of taste could risk triggering a flare-up of their condition.

Does eating meat automatically raise uric acid levels? Could eating a bit too much cause complications? Such questions can leave many feeling uncertain. It is not the case that everyone with high uric acid must follow the exact same dietary restrictions. Some individuals may have elevated uric acid levels in their blood without showing any symptoms, while others may experience joint swelling, redness, and excruciating pain—a condition known as "gout." Uric acid is produced when a substance called 'purine' breaks down in the body. Typically, the kidneys excrete it through urine. If the body produces an excess of uric acid, or if the kidneys are unable to excrete a sufficient amount, the level of uric acid in the blood can rise.

When this accumulates and forms tiny crystals in the joints, it can lead to a condition known as gout.

Does the diet during Dashain increase uric acid levels?

During Dashain, people often consume large quantities of meat dishes, along with foods that are oily, spicy, or contain items like paneer (cottage cheese). Because these foods are tasty, there is a common tendency to overeat in a single sitting or to consume such dishes consistently over several days. However, those prone to high uric acid levels need to be extra mindful of their diet.

In particular, red meat—such as goat or buffalo—as well as dishes made from organ meats like liver and kidneys, contain high levels of purine.

Consequently, consuming large amounts of these foods can raise blood uric acid levels or trigger a flare-up of gout. Purine is also found in fish and chicken; therefore, one should not assume that 'white meat' can be consumed in unlimited quantities. Rather than avoiding meat entirely during Dashain, a more practical approach is to limit portion sizes and avoid the habit of including meat in every single meal.

Thus, instead of filling your plate exclusively with meat during Dashain, you can manage your intake by incorporating vegetables, salads, and other nutritious foods.

Is it okay to consume alcohol? Although it is common to consume alcohol with friends and family during Dashain, abstaining is the safest choice if you suffer from high uric acid levels. Even if you decide to drink, the general advice to "consume in moderation" does not define a universally "safe" amount for everyone.

If you are experiencing a gout flare-up or have other underlying health issues, you should avoid alcohol entirely. Similarly, you should limit the intake of soft drinks like Coke, Fanta, and other sugar-sweetened beverages; the fructose found in these drinks can increase uric acid levels.

**Legumes and Protein**

Legumes also contain purines. However, purines derived from plant-based foods do not necessarily pose the same level of risk as those found in meat or seafood. Therefore, foods such as lentils, chickpeas, beans, and soybeans can be consumed in balanced amounts.

It is better to focus on a varied diet that includes vegetables and fruits, ensuring your meals provide the necessary nutrition. During Dashain, rather than simply sitting around eating and resting, it is advisable to incorporate some walking or physical activity to help digest what you have consumed.

**Does high uric acid always require medication?**

Not everyone with elevated uric acid levels in their blood requires medication. A condition where no symptoms are present is known as "asymptomatic hyperuricemia." In such cases, medication to lower uric acid is generally not initiated.

However, a doctor may make a decision based on an individual's overall health, kidney function, and other risk factors. The situation is different when uric acid crystals accumulate in the joints, leading to a condition known as gout. The primary symptoms include sudden swelling, redness, and excruciating pain—most commonly in the joint of the big toe. The pain can be so intense that even placing the foot on the ground, putting on a sock, or having a blanket brush against it becomes difficult.

This pain may subside on its own after a few hours or days, and there might be no further issues for months or even years. However, the subsiding of pain does not mean the condition has been cured. Over time, the condition may flare up repeatedly; if left untreated, the accumulated uric acid crystals can form hard lumps in the joints, known as "tophi."

Therefore, it is not advisable to take medication only when pain occurs and stop once it subsides. If a doctor has prescribed medication to lower uric acid levels, you should not discontinue it on your own.

5 Things to Keep in Mind Regarding Diet and Lifestyle During Dashain

1. Stay active: Engage in regular walking, avoid sitting in one place for too long, and incorporate light exercise.

2. Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration. Be mindful of your diet, and adjust your fluid intake based on your specific health condition and bodily needs.

3. Take medication consistently: Do not stop taking your uric acid-lowering medication just because your diet or eating habits have changed during the Dashain festival.

4. Avoid alcohol and an unbalanced diet: It is wise to exercise moderation regarding alcohol consumption and overeating, even during the festive season.