Gout is a type of arthritis caused by uric acid in the body. Under normal circumstances, uric acid gets flushed out in the urine. But when gout appears, uric acid builds up and forms "urate crystals." These crystals pool up at the joints and cause pain, inflammation, tenderness and stiffness. One of the first joints that generally affected by gout is the big toe, but it can be seen at any joint.
Purine Reduction
Purines, substances found in your body, are also found in various foods. When these foods are consumed, purines get converted to uric acid, which can exacerbate your symptoms. To prevent this, do not eat foods with a high purine content. Examples of these include organ meats, sardines, anchovies, mackerel, herring, game meats, scallops and sweetbreads. Also avoid extracts made from meats, such as gravy, consomme and broth.
Alcohol
Alcohol is known for its effects on the liver and brain, but it can also have an impact on gout. Although one or two drinks a day is considered safe, when you are having a gout attack, you should avoid alcohol altogether because it inhibits the excretion of uric acid. Alcohols made from yeast, such as beer and wine, should especially be avoided as yeast is high in purine.
Fluids
Water brings many benefits to the body. When it comes to gout, water can help flush uric acid from your system. The Institute of Medicine recommends that women get approximately 2.7 total liters of water a day and men get 3.7 liters a day. This comes out to about 11 cups a day for women and about 16 cups a day for men.
Drugs
Several different medications can be used to treat gout. Non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can be found over the counter or by prescription from your doctor. Over-the-counter versions include naproxen and ibuprofen. These are designed to reduce the pain and inflammation but can cause stomach problems like ulcers and bleeding.
Cholchicine is a prescription drug that your doctor might recommend if you cannot take NSAIDs.
Prednisone is a type of steroid that your doctor can prescribe to treat pain and inflammation. These are taken in pill form or by way of an injection into the joints that are affected. If you are unable to take cholchicine or NSAIDs, your doctor may resort to treating you with prednisone.
Fruits
Various fruits have been known to lower the amount of uric acid in the body. Dark-colored fruits like cherries, blueberries, blackberries, raspberries and purple grapes are all examples. Include these fruits in your daily diet.
