Gout Prevention

Gout is characterized by inflammation in joints like ankles, elbows, big toes, knees, wrists and fingers after years of accumulating of uric acid crystals in the joints and surrounding tissue. The case of gout is mostly found in men and the most often attacked joint is the one in big toes. It is hard to know the elevated uric acid level in blood until the first gout attack. However, prevention steps can be taken to avoid gout or lessen the severity of future attack.

First of all, it is really important to control your eating habits. Gouts are highly related with foods that contain high purines. You should avoid foods that are high in purines such as liver, herring, mussel, yeast, smelt, beef, pork, bacon, lamb, seafood, sardine, sweetbread and foods that are made of high amount of yeast. Other foods which have moderate level of purines should also be limited: anchovies, grouse, mutton, veal, goose, scallops, haddock, mackerel, brain, anchovies, partridge, turkey, salmon, kidney and turkey. To simplify, control the consumption of meat. Eat meat only for the protein. Some vegetables and “healthy” food also have high purines and those who have had the first attack should be aware of consuming too much. They are wheat germ, spinach, green peas, mushrooms, cauliflower and asparagus.

Second, watch your drinking habit. Alcohol consumption is also a major cause of gout since they have high level of uric acid. Thus, it is important to limit the alcohol you drink to the maximum of one serving in a few days. Drink a lot of water every day to reduce the uric acid through urinary waste. It is also great to suffice your daily mineral need and clean toxins from the body.

Third, maintain healthy and ideal weight. Gouts are also strongly associated with overweight because people who are obese tend to have higher uric acid production as compared to those with normal weight. Take on a steady and long term diet, but not the low-carbohydrate / high protein diet which can tempt the consumption of meat. This kind of diet can trigger higher production of uric acid and affect your gout potency, especially if you are highly overweight.

Fourth, if you already got gout attacks, make sure you follow the healthy lifestyle stated above. Take medications regularly as recommended by the doctor. By following the healthy lifestyle and taking appropriate medicines, your probability of getting gout attacks will lessen considerably. Find the gout diet eating plan you are comfortable with.