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A quiet lab number is telling a loud story about modern health. We dig into uric acid as a powerful signal of metabolic strain, connecting the dots between rising sugar intake, sodium overload, dehydration, and that stubborn fatigue and weight gain so many of us feel. Drawing on pioneering research from Richard Johnson and Robert Lustig, we break down how fructose doesn’t just sweeten food; it drains cellular energy, elevates uric acid, and flips an ancient “fat switch” designed for survival. In an era of constant abundance, that switch can stay stuck on, pushing us toward fat storage, brain fog, and cardiometabolic risk.

We question old myths that blame purines and meat for gout while the real drivers—added sugar, processed carbs, and poor hydration—slip by. You’ll hear how high sodium and stress can trigger the body to make fructose internally, layering more uric acid on top of what the diet provides. We also explore the role of acid-base balance, showing why mineral-rich plants and a meaningful alkaline load help kidneys and gut excrete uric acid more effectively. This is practical metabolic literacy: not a lecture on restriction, but a roadmap for rebuilding resilience with smart choices.

Expect clear, actionable steps: test uric acid even without gout; slash added sugars and sweet drinks; hydrate to lower osmolality; train both aerobically and with resistance to revive mitochondria; and rebalance meals with leafy greens, herbs, and root vegetables alongside quality protein. If you’re ready for a deeper reset, strategic low-carb or ketogenic phases can accelerate liver fat loss and insulin sensitivity. We close with mindset: trade judgment for curiosity, and treat each meal and walk as a new lever. If this helps clarify your next step, follow the show, share it with a friend who needs a nudge, and leave a review to help others find these tools.

For slide deck and open source references: www.thehealthedgepodcast.com