Gout is a type of arthritis that is caused by the accumulation of excess uric acid in the body. Uric acid is a waste product that is produced when the body breaks down purines, which are found in certain foods. When there is too much uric acid in the body, it can form sharp, needle-like crystals in the joints, leading to inflammation, pain, and swelling.
Gout most commonly affects the joint in the big toe, but it can also affect other joints, such as the knees, ankles, and wrists. Gout attacks can be sudden and severe, often occurring at night. They can last for a few days to a few weeks and can recur if not properly treated.
However, there are several steps you can take to prevent gout attacks and reduce your risk of developing gout.
1. Maintain a healthy weight
Maintaining a healthy weight is an important part of gout prevention. Being overweight or obese increases your risk of gout because excess body fat can lead to higher levels of uric acid in the blood. Losing weight can help lower your risk of gout by reducing the amount of uric acid in your body.
There are several ways to lose weight and maintain a healthy weight, including:
- Eating a healthy, balanced diet that is low in calories and saturated fat
- Incorporating physical activity into your daily routine
- Limiting your intake of sugary drinks and snacks
- Getting enough sleep
If you are struggling to lose weight, it may be helpful to talk to your doctor or a registered dietitian. They can help you develop a plan that is safe and effective for you. Remember, losing weight slowly and steadily is the best way to ensure that the weight stays off in the long term.
Suggested articles:
– Obesity and Gout – Does Obesity Cause Gout?
2. Eat a healthy diet
Eating a healthy diet is an important part of gout prevention. Certain foods can increase the risk of gout by raising the levels of uric acid in the body. These foods are high in purines, which are compounds that are broken down into uric acid in the body.
Foods that are high in purines include:
- Red meat
- Organ meats (such as liver and kidney)
- Shellfish
- Alcohol, especially beer
Limiting your intake of these foods can help reduce your risk of gout. Instead, focus on eating a diet that is rich in fruits, vegetables, and low-fat proteins, such as chicken and fish. These types of foods are lower in purines and can help prevent gout attacks.
Suggested articles:
– What Foods Are High in Purines? – Avoid These 6 Foods
– 9 Best Foods to Eat with Gout – Best Diet for Gout
– The ULTIMATE List of 14 Foods to Avoid with Gout
3. Drink plenty of water
Drinking plenty of water is an important part of gout prevention. Water can help flush excess uric acid from the body, which can help prevent gout attacks. Aim to drink at least eight glasses of water per day to help keep your body hydrated and reduce your risk of gout.
In addition to drinking plain water, you can also get hydration from other sources, such as herbal teas, fruit and vegetable juices, and soups. Just be sure to avoid sugary drinks, such as soda and sweetened coffee and tea, as these can increase your risk of gout.
It is also important to pay attention to your body’s thirst signals and drink water when you are thirsty. Dehydration can increase your risk of gout attacks, so it is important to stay hydrated.
Suggested article: Gout And Water – Is Drinking Water Good For Gout?
4. Avoid alcohol
Avoiding alcohol, especially beer, can help prevent gout attacks. Alcohol, especially beer, can increase the risk of gout by raising the levels of uric acid in the body. In fact, studies have shown that people who drink alcohol, particularly beer, are more likely to develop gout than those who do not drink alcohol.
If you do choose to drink alcohol, it is important to do so in moderation. The American Heart Association recommends that men have no more than two drinks per day and that women have no more than one drink per day. A drink is defined as 12 ounces of beer, 5 ounces of wine, or 1.5 ounces of hard liquor.
If you have already been diagnosed with gout, it may be best to avoid alcohol altogether. Talk to your doctor about what is safe for you.
Suggested articles:
– Gout and Alcohol – Does Alcohol Cause Gout?
– Beer and Gout – Can Beer Cause Gout?
– Wine and Gout – Is Wine Bad for Gout?
5. Take medication as prescribed
If you have already been diagnosed with gout, taking your medication as prescribed by your doctor can help prevent gout attacks. There are several types of medications that can be used to treat gout, including:
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): These medications, such as ibuprofen and naproxen, can help reduce inflammation and pain. (more here)
- Corticosteroids: These medications, such as prednisone, can be taken orally or injected into the affected joint to reduce inflammation.
- Colchicine: This medication can help prevent gout attacks and reduce inflammation. (more here)
- Uric acid-lowering medications: These medications, such as allopurinol and febuxostat, can help reduce the levels of uric acid in the body and prevent gout attacks.
It is important to take your medication as prescribed and to follow your doctor’s instructions. Do not stop taking your medication or change your dosage without first consulting your doctor.
Remember, it is always a good idea to talk to your doctor if you have concerns about your medication or if you are experiencing side effects. They can help you determine the best course of treatment for your specific needs.
Suggested articles:
– Top 7 Gout Medication – List of Medicines Used to Treat Gout
– Can Gout be Cured? – Can Gout be Cured with Medications?
6. Get regular exercise
Getting regular exercise is an important part of gout prevention. Exercise can help lower your risk of gout by improving your overall health and helping you maintain a healthy weight. Being overweight or obese can increase your risk of gout, so getting regular exercise can help you lose weight and reduce your risk.
There are many different types of exercise that you can do to lower your risk of gout. Some options include:
- Walking
- Jogging
- Swimming
- Biking
- Strength training
Aim to get at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise most days of the week. If you are new to exercise or have not been active in a while, start slowly and gradually increase your intensity and duration.
Remember, exercise is just one part of a healthy lifestyle. It is important to also eat a healthy diet, drink plenty of water, and avoid alcohol to lower your risk of gout.
Suggested article: Gout and Exercise – Does Exercise Help Gout?
Final thought
There are several steps you can take to prevent gout attacks and reduce your risk of developing gout. These include maintaining a healthy weight, eating a healthy diet, drinking plenty of water, avoiding alcohol, taking medication as prescribed, and getting regular exercise. By following these tips, you can help prevent gout attacks and improve your overall health. Remember to talk to your doctor if you have any concerns about your risk of gout or if you are experiencing gout symptoms.
Suggested articles:
– How to Get Rid of Gout – Short & Long-Term Remedies
– How to Reduce Uric Acid? – 12 Ways to Kill Uric Acid
– Immediate Gout Pain Relief – 7 Best Options
– 15 Best Home Remedies for Gout – Natural Treatment For Gout
– Carbohydrates and Gout – Everything You Need to Know
The Gout Eraser™: The all-natural guide for permanent gout removal
The Gout Eraser™ is a short, to the point guide on how to reverse gout symptoms without ever leaving your home. The guide goes into extensive detail on exactly what you need to do to safely, effectively and permanently get rid of gout, and you are GUARANTEED to see dramatic improvements in days if not hours.
To learn more about The Gout Eraser™ system, check out the following free video presentation: The Gout Eraser™
