Gout is a common type of arthritis that’s caused by the buildup of uric acid in the body. Affecting 4 percent of American adults, which is about 6 million men and 2 million women in the United States, gout usually manifests in the form of painful swelling in the joints and feet (usually the big toe). [1] The reason why gout could hurt so bad is that the buildup of uric acid forms crystals in the joints, which is what’s felt as that sudden and intense pain.
Thankfully, there are several ways to prevent the torment brought by gout flareups. Here are some of them:
Uric acid comes from the breakdown of purines, or compounds found in some foods. If you eat foods high in purine, too much of it may lead to uric acid buildup. This isn’t to say that you should avoid foods containing purine, because they are still needed by the body to stay healthy. What I’m saying is to be aware of your intake and know which foods are high in purine so you can have control. According to Medical News Today, here are some purine-rich foods: [2]
Foods with moderate purine content include:
Complementary to prevention tip #1 is to eat more foods that are low in purine. Makes total sense, right? If you eat below foods instead of purine-rich ones, you will gain more control over your overall purine intake and possibly avoid gout attacks: [3]
Certain medications may serve its purpose – to cure other illnesses. But some of them may also increase uric acid levels. It’s key to know which ones are so you can look for alternatives if you’re already suffering from gout: [4]
In the same vein, there are also medications meant to treat gout. According to Webmd, the following work by either bringing down the levels of uric acid or increasing their discharge in the urine: [5]
Obesity is said to increase the risk of gout and occasional flareups. According to Medical News Today, “being overweight also has an association with a higher risk of elevated blood uric acid levels, raising the risk of gout.” [6] Aside from this, excess weight can make it more difficult for your body to get rid of unnecessary levels of uric acid. [7]
It’s definitely worth losing a few pounds to prevent gout. But this doesn’t necessarily mean drastic weight loss. In fact, doing so can even increase uric acid levels. So it’s worth going through the proper motions and doing weight loss the right way – gradually and effectively.
Sugar not only sabotages you keeping a healthy weight, but it also increases the risk of gout. [8] Likewise, alcohol – especially beer – makes the occurrence of gout more likely. Best to stay away from these and keep to a healthy diet to minimize flareups.
According to a 2010 study, coffee consumption can decrease the risk of gout. The study shows that women participants who consumed 1 to 3 cups of coffee led to a 22% decrease in risk for gout occurrence compared to non-coffee drinkers, and those who had 4 cups and above had 57% reduction in flareups. [9]
To find out the other benefits of coffee, read this article: 7 surprising benefits of coffee.
Several studies show that cherry juice can actually treat gout, indicating that it brings down uric acid levels. Researchers from the Boston University Medical Center found that cherries are so effective in reducing uric acid because they have anthocyanins, which are known for their anti-inflammatory properties. [10] For more studies showing the effectiveness of cherry juice, read this article: Is cherry juice effective for gout?
[1] https://www.arthritis.org/diseases/gout
[2] https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/325317#limit-purine-rich-foods
[3] https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/325317#eat-more-low-purine-foods
[4] https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/325317#avoid-drugs-that-raise-uric-acid-levels
[5] https://www.webmd.com/arthritis/understanding-gout-prevention
[6] https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/325317#maintain-a-healthy-body-weight
[9] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2937590/
[10] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3510330/
Women nearing their mid-40s are most likely aware of one imminent thing: menopause. Some have a tough time because of symptoms (read: hot flushes, heavier or lighter period, mood swings).
But while these symptoms may sound unpleasant, good news is that they’re highly treatable through medications, therapies, home remedies, and lifestyle changes.
It’s key to prioritize sleep and make sure that you’re clocking enough hours. Sleeplessness has adverse effects that could impact your everyday life and long-term wellness (more of this later), so it’s key to understand the important role sleep plays in your general health.
Tina Sendin
Author