Gout is one of the most painful forms of arthritis. It is caused by the accumulation of uric acid crystals in the joints and mostly affects men. Since gout is often caused by poor dietary choices, changing your diet is one of the best ways to cure yourself; at the same time, medical treatment and other lifestyle changes can be helpful. Start reading from Step 1 to learn other ways to lower uric acid levels and to reduce or eliminate gout.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Check Your Diet
Step 1. Learn how gout affects your body
A gout attack occurs when the level of uric acid rises excessively, leading to the formation of crystals of this acid in the joints and other areas of the body. High levels of uric acid can cause various painful symptoms throughout the body.
- Since the crystals are heavier than blood, they begin to settle in the body. Due to the effect of gravity they usually settle in the lower areas, especially between the joints of the big toe.
- Kidney stones are due to the effect of the deposition of uric acid crystals in the kidney tissue.
- Crystal deposits called tophi can form under the skin.
Step 2. Completely avoid animal-based foods that contain purine
Some types of meat, fish and other animal products contain purine in high quantities, which is converted into uric acid by the metabolism, and it is precisely the high concentration of this that causes the onset of gout. Avoid the following foods that are too high in purine completely, to reduce the possibility of gout:
- Internal organs of animals.
- Herring.
- Anchovies.
- Mackerel.
Step 3. Limit your consumption of all meats and fish in general
All meat, fish and poultry have a uric acid content. While you don't necessarily have to become a vegetarian, cutting down on your meat or fish intake is essential to start reducing gout. Also limit your intake of the following foods to one serving per day at most:
- Poultry.
- Red meat (pork, beef and lamb).
- Tuna.
- Lobster.
- Shrimp.
Step 4. Avoid vegetables, fruits and legumes with high uric acid content
Some plant-based foods also have a high purine content and tend to contribute to the formation of uric acid in the blood. Below is a list of vegetables, fruits and legumes that are high in uric acid:
- Mushrooms.
- Beans.
- Peas.
- Lentils.
- Bananas.
- Avocado.
- Kiwi.
- Pineapple.
Step 5. Eat less fat
Eating a lot of saturated fat has been found to inhibit the body's ability to break down uric acid. Avoid fried foods and foods with high fat content, such as whole milk. Low-fat fruits, vegetables, and legumes can help you manage gout better.
Step 6. Avoid high sugar corn syrup
Fructose increases uric acid, so try to avoid sugary drinks with high fructose corn syrup, as well as sweets and other foods that contain this ingredient. It is important to read the instructions on the label carefully, as corn syrup is contained in many foods, even if not necessarily sweet, such as bread or other packaged products.
Method 2 of 3: Lifestyle Changes
Step 1. Monitor your weight
Overweight or obese people have a higher risk of suffering from gout. Losing weight can improve the symptoms of gout and bring you closer to the goal of getting rid of this disease altogether. Talk to your doctor for advice on a virtuous path to weight loss, which includes limitations on foods that contain a lot of purine. Your new diet should include the following foods, as well as plenty of exercise:
- Simple proteins (excluding red meats and fatty fish).
- Whole grains.
- Low-purine fruits and vegetables.
- Nuts and other health foods.
Step 2. Keep stress under control
A high level of stress can lead to gout attacks, so it's important to keep a close eye on it. Exercise and proper nutrition can be a good start. In addition to keeping your body healthy, you can act on your mental well-being by following these tips:
- Take personal time whenever you feel it is necessary. If you feel involved in too many different activities, this definitely has a negative effect on your physique.
- Meditate, do yoga, and spend time outdoors. Start practicing on a regular basis an activity that puts you at peace with yourself.
- Rest for a long time overnight. Try to get at least 7-8 hours of sleep and do it on a regular basis.
Step 3. Reduce your alcohol consumption, especially beer
Beer raises uric acid and should be avoided altogether to prevent gout. Wine, on the other hand, shouldn't be a problem if consumed in modest quantities, and it is possible to drink a glass of it per meal without risk.
Step 4. Drink lots of water
Proper hydration helps remove uric acid from the blood, freeing the joints of deposits. Drink more than you normally would, at least 2-3 liters per day.
Step 5. Check how many medicines and vitamin supplements you are taking
People who take many vitamin supplements that contain niacin, as well as some over-the-counter medicines, have a higher risk of developing gout. If you take a lot of vitamins and other medicines, talk to your doctor and consider how this is aggravating your gout. The following supplements and medicines can lead to a risk of gout attacks:
- Niacin.
- Aspirin.
- Diuretics.
- Cyclosporine.
- Levodopa.
Method 3 of 3: Try Alternative Medicines or Treatments
Step 1. Get rid of pain with pain relievers
Gout is a very painful form of arthritis and its attacks can be treated with medicines. It is important to talk to your doctor to get a prescription for the right and correct medicines for your body. He may suggest the following options, based on the pain you feel:
- NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs). They are available as over-the-counter medications.
- Corticosteroids, such as prednisone.
- Colchicine. It works best if taken within 12 hours of the onset of an acute attack.
Step 2. Try to cure the root causes
Gout is not always due to eating too much meat or foods with a high purine content; sometimes it is caused by poor metabolic ability to dispose of uric acid, caused by other causes. If you have suffered from any of these conditions, you will need to take adequate care to keep gout under control:
- Some people with gout have an enzyme deficiency that makes it difficult for the metabolic breakdown of purine.
- In some people, the onset of gout is due to exposure and accumulation of lead in the body.
- Transplant patients are more at risk of suffering from gout.
Step 3. Learn about new treatments for this disease
As gout is spreading more and more, new medicines and treatments are being studied and proposed constantly. If gout is affecting your quality of life and you can't find a correct way to treat it, talk to your doctor and find out about any potential treatment methods that exist today.
