Gout

Night shift work disrupts the rhythms of cortisol and insulin secretion, increasing insulin resistance, which leads to increased uric acid reabsorption by the kidneys. While it is difficult to completely avoid company dinners and drinking due to the nature of the job, simply making a habit of ① drinking no more than one glass of soju instead of beer, ② limiting organ meats and shellfish as snacks, ③ drinking at least 500 mL of water before and after drinking, and ④ drinking one cup of water per hour during work makes a significant difference in uric acid control. It is realistic to set goals while monitoring uric acid trends through regular blood tests. From the perspective of a Korean medicine clinic, night work is a pattern where activity energy is consumed during the time the body should be resting and recovering, accelerating the depletion of Yin energy in the kidneys and blood stored by the liver. When combined with heat-generating waste products from alcohol consumption, this creates an environment conducive to a gout attack. At Dongjedang, we find realistic compromises for patients for whom complete lifestyle modification is difficult, while simultaneously replenishing depleted Yin energy and blood with herbal medicine to stabilize digestive function. Since it is possible to lower the threshold for attacks with just one to two visits per month and consistent herbal medicine intake, it is important to start treatment even if perfection is not yet achieved.