Why should people with high uric acid levels eat more chayote?

(Dan Tri Newspaper) - Among the many foods to avoid when uric acid levels are high, chayote stands out as a safe, easy-to-prepare option that can support the process of uric acid elimination.

Chayote, a familiar vegetable in Vietnamese family meals, is gaining more attention due to its potential benefits for people with high uric acid levels.

Although not a cure for the disease, preliminary nutritional studies and expert opinions suggest that chayote may contribute to controlling uric acid levels when consumed correctly.

Nutritional sources suitable for people who need to reduce purine intake.

Chayote is characterized by its high water content, high fiber, low carbohydrate content, and almost no purines. This is especially important for people who need to limit foods high in purines, a factor that raises uric acid levels in the blood and triggers acute gout attacks.

Chayote is a familiar vegetable in Vietnamese family meals (Photo: Getty).

In addition, this fruit also contains significant amounts of potassium and vitamin C. Vitamin C is known to help increase uric acid excretion through the kidneys, and also helps reduce the risk of sudden spikes in uric acid when incorporated into a healthy diet.

Using chayote as an alternative to starches or purine-rich foods such as organ meats and purine-rich seafood may help reduce the metabolic burden on the body in the long term.

Dr. Emily Carter, an American nutritionist, states that chayote is a mildly alkaline, low-calorie, and high-fiber food. These factors contribute to improved weight management and support kidney function in eliminating metabolic waste.

"When incorporated into a balanced diet, chayote can help reduce acute uric acid spikes. However, chayote is not a substitute for medical treatment," the expert emphasized.

According to Dr. Carter, the effectiveness of chayote depends on the overall picture of each individual's diet and lifestyle. A single food cannot completely resolve high uric acid levels if the patient continues to have a diet high in purines, drinks little water, or abuses alcohol.

How to eat chayote in a way that benefits people with high uric acid levels.

According to nutritionists, chayote should be prepared simply to retain its nutritional value and avoid increasing the metabolic burden:

- Boil, steam, or lightly stir-fry with a little oil.

- Limit your intake of fats, butter, or combinations with foods rich in purines.

- Increase your daily water intake to help your kidneys eliminate uric acid.

- Combine this with a diet that reduces red meat consumption, limits processed foods, and avoids alcohol.

Maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, and getting enough sleep also play an important role in controlling uric acid levels.

Specialists recommend that patients consult with their treating physician before making major changes to their diet or adjusting their medication dosage.

Chayote can be part of a supportive nutritional strategy, but it cannot replace medical treatment, much less regular testing to monitor uric acid levels.

Chayote offers many benefits, but they are only truly effective when used correctly, as part of a scientifically sound diet, and under the guidance of healthcare professionals.

Source: https://dantri.com.vn/suc-khoe/vi-sao-nguoi-co-axit-uric-cao-nen-an-nhieu-trai-su-su-20251212063827299.htm