Since the time of Ben Franklin, alcoholic beverages, rich food, meat and not enough exercise have been held up as the main culprits in bringing on gout attacks.The digestive process produces uric acid as a by-product in breaking down protein. Too much uric acid can produce crystals in joints which redden and throb painfully during a gout attack. However, according to the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS), about 20 percent of all gout sufferers are genetically predisposed to the disease, and men tend to be more at risk than women. Certain foods and lifestyle changes can offer natural solutions for gout.
Water
Drink more fluids, especially water, while avoiding alcohol. According to the Mayo Clinic, drinking more water and other non-alcoholic drinks helps rid your system of uric acid and lessen the probability of a gout attack. The Mayo Clinic recommends drinking eight to 16 cups of non-alcoholic beverages per day, with water being at least half that total.
Skim Milk
Drinking skim milk can both prevent the onset of gout and aid in lessening the severity of gout attacks, according to the American College of Rheumatology. A report presented at the 2009 American College of Rheumatology Annual Scientific Meeting in Philadelphia stated that drinking skim milk containing 80g of protein reduced the uric acid serum in male subjects by 10 percent, and also increased uric acid removal by the kidneys.
Coffee, Cherries and Vitamin C
Drinking coffee, taking healthy doses of vitamin C and eating dark fruit like cherries, blackberries and blueberries can all help reduce the amounts of uric acid in your system and therefore reduce the chances of a gout attack, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Exercise
Regular exercise and keeping your weight down can help lessen gout attacks, according to the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. The Institute warns against quick, low-carbohydrate dieting, however, which can inhibit your body's ability to burn its own fat and increase uric acid levels in the blood.
