Tips on How to Prevent Gout

About Gout

Gout is a form of arthritis. It is caused by needle-like crystals settling in a person’s joints or capillaries. These crystals are formed when uric acid levels in the body are high, causing accumulation of uric acid in the joints, usually in the toes. Affected joints often manifest with symptoms of inflammation such as swelling, pain, redness and warmth in the affected area. This is more common in men than in women. It can occur as early as after puberty in men, although incidence is higher in the older population. In women, gout is frequently seen after menopause. The following are recommended practices on how to prevent gout and its complications.

Drinking Plenty of Fluids

Drinking plenty of fluids, especially water, often helps in diluting uric acid in the body. Fruit juices are also great liquids to help drown the uric acid that may potentially build up and cause gout. The recommended amount of liquid intake is 8 glasses of water a day. Liquids act by washing out toxins and other contaminants in the body, not only uric acid.

One form of liquid that people should ease up on in order to avoid gout development is alcohol. Alcohol and beer can increase the body’s uric acid levels. Beer is frequently a contributing factor in many patients uric acid increase. Beer may have some good effects on one’s health if taken moderately, but if it is consumed on a regular basis in large amounts, it can be extremely unhealthy.

Changing Diet

Consumption of certain food types generally contribute to the development of gout. In order to reduce the chances of developing gout, it is best to cut down on consumption of meat, bacon, yeast, mussels and sardines. Basically, anything that has a lot of fat or is salty should be consumed in minimal amounts to prevent the development of gout.

Men are prone to eating these kinds of food, as well as alcohol, so they should take extra care in planning their diet. They should also watch their weight because the more weight one puts on, the more he is prone to developing gout. Obesity is a very strong contributing factor to gout. Healthy foods like fruits and vegetables should play a larger role in one’s diet to prevent not just gout, but other diseases as well.

Controlling Hypertension

High blood pressure is also a contributing factor in gout development, so taking measures to prevent high blood pressure is a wise idea. Gout is not a life threatening condition, but it can cause a lot of pain and discomfort. If not managed appropriately, it can affect the kidneys, which can lead to kidney failure. Individuals with increased blood uric acid are also susceptible to kidney stone formation. This is why it is best to how to prevent gout and its complications. Individuals with high blood uric acid levels should seek medical evaluation, and be given intervention early in the disease.

References

MedicineNet.com: Gout

MedlinePlus: Gout