Gout, or Kings Disease, as it is often referred to, is caused by a build-up of uric acid in the joint. Not only is gout painful, it can also cause permanent swelling in and around the joint area. However, there are things that can be done to help minimize gout attacks and the impact they have on your body.
Diet and Gout
Gout is brought on by an overload of rich food. Things like red meat, high fat foods and alcohol are known to cause flair-ups in individuals suffering from this disease. To get your gout under control, add in more low fat dairy and higher carbohydrate-based foods like wheat. Chicken is a good substitute for red meat.
Anti-Inflammatory Drugs
Gout is a form of arthritis and can be treated with some medications. Anti-inflammatory drugs can be both steroid and non-steroid based. Most forms of non-steroid anti-inflammatory medicines can be found over the counter. Ibuprofen and naproxen are the most common and can be found in products like Advil and Aleve. Steroid-based anti-inflammatory drugs are another, more powerful way to control the inflammation and pain of gout. Drugs like prednisone can be administered orally or through an injection in the joint.
Water and Gout
Water alleviates gout symptoms. Drinking water helps dilute the build-up in uric acid in the joints causing eventual relief from the pain and flushing the body. Hydrotherapy (a hot shower) can also help sooth the joint areas and discomfort of inflammation.
Berries and Gout
The ingestion of berries, most specifically, cherries, has been shown to lower uric acid in the body. Whether that translates to a decrease in gout and gout symptoms is undetermined.
Uric Acid-Blocking Medications
Aside from anti-inflammatory steroids, a physician can also prescribe medications that are shown to be effective in reducing the body's production of uric acid. Colchicine, probenecid (Benemid) and allopurinol are the different types of medication most commonly prescribed for gout.
