Gout is a chronic condition that can be classified as a form of inflammatory arthritis. Its symptoms often flare up periodically, typically becoming worse during episodes known as “gout attacks”. Certain factors make you more susceptible to developing gout or experiencing gout attacks. That being said, prevention and effective management of gout are possible.
Whether you’re at risk of developing the condition and want to prevent it, or want to avoid future flare-ups, there are several proven lifestyle changes you can make.
In this blog, we are going to go over a few tips that will help you prevent or control gout effectively.
Dietary Changes to Prevent Gout
Gout is the direct result of excess uric acid buildup in the body (also known as hyperuricemia). In some cases, extra uric acid in the body can lead to the formation of sharp crystals inside the joints.
*Note: While hyperuricemia is associated with the development of the condition, increased uric acid levels don’t always cause gout.
The food and drinks you consume can have a direct impact on the amount of uric acid your body produces. Certain food items rich in purines can increase the uric acid production in your body.
Consuming high-purine foods and beverages increases your risk of developing gout. If you are mindful of your diet and consume a low-purine diet, you may be protected against gout and the painful attacks.
Here are a few examples of foods and beverages you should consume (low-purine) and avoid (high-purine):
| Low-purine Items | High-purine Items |
|---|---|
| – Water – Skim milk and low-fat/no-fat dairy products – Coffee – Cherries & cherry juice – Whole grain foods (whole wheat, brown rice, quinoa, oats, corn, popcorn, etc.) – High-fat foods (lean meat & gravy) – Nuts and nut butters (sugar-free) | – Red meats (beef, pork, lamb, mutton, goat, etc.) Organ meats (liver, heart, etc.) – Alcoholic beverages (especially beer) – Shellfish (shrimp, mussels, oysters, scallops, etc.) – Food with high fructose corn syrup – Yeast extracts – Sugary drinks – Certain seafoods (anchovies, herring, mackerel, etc.) |
Lifestyle Changes to Prevent Gout
Here are a few lifestyle modifications that can help prevent the development of gout or reduce the risk of flare-ups:
- Consume a low-purine diet
- Avoid excess alcohol consumption
- Focus on weight management if you are overweight
- Exercise regularly (low-impact exercises)
- Keep yourself hydrated (consume at least 3 litres of water or other non-sugary drinks (unless restricted by your doctor) to flush uric acid out of the system
Medication
If you do develop gout, you must consult a rheumatology specialist and get a prescription for medicines that can help ease your discomfort. Some common medications to manage gout include:
- Over-the-counter non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
- Prescription anti-inflammatory drugs
- Oral or injectable corticosteroids
When to Visit a Doctor?
If you experience swelling, tenderness, redness, and pain in joints (small joints such as toes, fingers, ankles, wrists), you might be suffering from gout. We know searching for a “gout specialist near me” on the internet can be a tedious task. This is why Sohana Hospital boasts a team of highly experienced rheumatologists who provide the best gout treatment at the most affordable prices.
Sohana Hospital is actually one of the very few hospitals in the region with a dedicated rheumatology department. Our commitment to providing the best care for rheumatic diseases ensures that the highest quality of patient care is accessible to all. Visit today and get relief from joint pain, stiffness, and inflammation.
Frequently Asked Questions on Gout
1. What causes gout attacks?
Excessive alcohol consumption, eating high-purine foods, being dehydrated, or sustaining physical injury to a joint can cause a flare-up of gout symptoms (pain, swelling, redness, etc).
2. Can gout be cured?
No, there is no cure for gout. However, the symptoms can be effectively managed with some strict dietary and lifestyle changes.
3. What drink helps flush out uric acid?
If you are experiencing pronounced gout symptoms, drink more water. Drinking 8-16 cups of water or non-sugary, non alcoholic drinks daily can help flush out the extra uric acid buildup in your body, relieving symptoms to some extent.