Avoid Gout Attack

Gout attack can be very painful and long lasting. Thus, it is good if you know what to do to avoid gout attack. Taking preventive actions earlier will keep you from many “pains” in the end. As what we know, gout attack happens at joints such as big toes, knees, elbows, ankle, wrist, and fingers. Gout usually attacks at night, starting from symptoms such as reddish or purplish at the skin around the affected joint, inflammation, feeling hot and burnt and feeling a big pain at the joint. The effect of gout attack can last for days or be removed soon if treated immediately. Otherwise, gout attack can also last for weeks. Although the pain gets lesser at acute gout attack, you certainly do not want to have one. That is why it is important to know the factors that work to avoid gout attack.

First of all, having a healthy eating habit is really important. Increase the consumption of foods that are high in vitamin C, potassium, Omega 3, and L-carnitine to liquefy uric acid and push them out from the body. The foods are salmon, tuna, nuts, avocado, banana, melon, lima beans, cantaloupe, berry families, grape and cherry. Healthy eating habit also includes limiting the consumption of alcohol, sweetened soda drinks and other sweet beverages. Maintaining ideal weight is one condition to avoid gout. By following the healthy eating habit, you should be able to get the ideal weight naturally if you have not. Combine with regular exercises. While that, limit the consumption of foods that are high in purines such as seafood, hearts, sweetbreads, sardines, mussels, anchovies, mutton, turkey, goose, grouse, bacon, scallops, other red meats, and kidney.

Second, maintain your health condition and do regular check ups. Some diseases such like high blood pressure and hypertension can lead to gout. Getting enough rest for the joints is also important. Do not put too much stress or burden on the joints.

Third, regularly consult your doctor about the medications you are taking. Some drugs may lessen the body’s ability to remove uric acid and thus increasing the risk of getting gout. The drugs are such as diuretics, cyclosporine, niacin, levodopa and aspirin. You may not realize if the long consumption of medicines for other treatment has increased the chance of getting gout. Tell the doctor if you know that you might have the factors that cause or contribute to gout so that early steps can be taken.