If you've been suffering from sudden and persistent joint pain, you may have a type of arthritis called gout. Gout can be caused by a high level of uric acid, a compound in the form of crystals that, in a healthy body, is filtered by the kidneys and excreted in the urine. When uric acid levels are high, the crystals can cause various ailments, including gout. For this reason it is important to dissolve them and return values to normal. You can do this by taking the right medications, changing your diet, and exercising. Remember that you should consult your doctor before making any lifestyle changes or taking any supplements or medications.
Steps
Part 1 of 2: Medication Cure
Step 1. Understand what the risk factors for gout are
It is a type of arthritis caused by high levels of uric acid, the crystals of which can build up in the fluid around the joints. Gout mainly affects men in old age, but anyone can suffer from it. No one knows the true cause of the disease, but possible risk factors include a diet rich in meat and fish, obesity, chronic conditions (such as hypertension or diabetes), cases of gout in the family, or the use of certain medications.
Gout causes inflammation and pain in the joints (often at night and particularly in the area of the big toes), as well as joint pain, redness, swelling, and skin warming. The malaise can last from a few days to several weeks after the attack ends and, since gout can become chronic, it can seriously impair the mobility of the body
Step 2. See your doctor for an examination
In case of chronic gout or frequent or painful attacks, contact your GP to find out if you can start drug therapy. He may order several tests to diagnose the disease, including blood tests to measure uric acid levels, synovial fluid (to analyze fluids within joint cavities), an ultrasound, or a CT scan to look for acid crystals. uric. Once the results are in hand, the doctor will be able to decide if you can start a treatment and what kind.
Among the drugs he may prescribe are xanthine oxidase inhibitors, those that belong to the class of uricosurics and others less common such as colchicine, which is used in cases of acute gout attacks
Step 3. Take a xanthine oxidase inhibitor
This class of drugs works by limiting the amount of uric acid produced by the body to lower its levels. Generally, doctors prescribe this type of treatment as a first attempt to solve the problem of chronic gout. Xanthine oxidase inhibitor drugs include allopurinol or febuxostat-based drugs. While they can initially aggravate gout attacks, they can help prevent them in the long run.
- Side effects that can be caused by allopurinol include dysentery, sleepiness, skin rashes, and low hemoglobin. Make sure you drink at least two liters of water a day while taking the drug.
- Side effects that can be caused by febuxostat include skin rashes, nausea, joint pain, and liver dysfunction.
Step 4. Try taking a drug that belongs to the uricosuric class
They work by helping the body to excrete more uric acid in the urine. In practice, they interfere with the reabsorption of crystals in the blood, consequently reducing the levels of uric acid in the body. Your doctor may prescribe a probenecid drug, but it is not recommended if you have kidney problems. Start by taking 250 mg every 12 hours for the first week. Over time you may need to increase the dose, but never exceed 2 g.
Side effects that can be caused by probenecid include skin rashes, stomach pains, kidney stones, dizziness and migraines. To prevent stone formation, you should drink at least 1.5-2 liters of water per day while taking the drug
Step 5. Avoid certain medications
Some medicines, including thiazide diuretics (such as hydrochlorothiazide-based diuretics) and loop diuretics (such as furosemide-based diuretics) should be avoided as they can aggravate gout. At low doses, the basic principle of aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid) and niacin can also cause an increase in uric acid levels, so they should be avoided.
Do not stop therapy without first talking to your doctor; he will most likely be able to offer you an effective alternative
Part 2 of 2: Change Your Diet
Step 1. Adopt a healthy and balanced diet
It should be based on healthy foods, high in fiber, and lean proteins. Foods high in soluble fiber can help dissolve uric acid crystals. They work by promoting the absorption of crystals, moving them away from the joints and helping the body to expel them from the kidneys. In addition to increasing your fiber intake, it's important to avoid saturated fats, such as those found in cheese, butter, and margarine. You should also cut down on sugar consumption, for example by avoiding fizzy drinks or packaged foods that contain high fructose corn syrup because they can promote gout attacks. Foods you should include in your diet instead include:
- Oats;
- Spinach;
- Broccoli;
- Raspberries;
- Whole grain bread;
- Brown rice and pasta;
- Black beans;
- Cherries (as they can reduce gout attacks). One study found that eating ten cherries a day can help prevent the disease from escalating;
- Low-fat dairy products.
Step 2. Avoid foods that cause uric acid levels to rise
Purines are substances contained in food that the body converts into uric acid. Researchers have found that when we eat foods that are rich in them, we run the risk of suffering from a gout attack within a few days. For this reason you should avoid eating:
- Meat: red meat and offal (liver, kidneys and sweetbreads);
- Fish: tuna, lobster, shrimp, mussels, anchovies, herring, sardines, scallops, trout, haddock and mackerel.
Step 3. Pay attention to what you drink and keep your body hydrated
Studies have shown that drinking 1.5-2 liters of water per day reduces the risk of a gout attack. In general, all liquids contribute to reaching this threshold, but it is better to drink pure water. You should also reduce or avoid alcoholic beverages as they can metabolize and increase uric acid levels. If you want to drink something other than water, opt for drinks that don't contain a lot of sugar, caffeine, or high fructose corn syrup. Sugars can increase the risk of a gout attack, while caffeine can dehydrate the body.
You can continue drinking coffee, but in moderation (maximum 2-3 per day). Studies have shown that coffee can reduce blood uric acid levels, but not gout episodes
Step 4. Get more vitamin C
The results of some studies show that it can help reduce uric acid levels in the blood, although it does not appear to prevent gout attacks. According to experts, it stimulates the kidneys to expel the crystals. Consider taking a vitamin C supplement every day; consult your doctor first to find out if it is recommended in your specific case and in what doses. You can also get more vitamin C by eating foods that are rich in it, such as:
- Fruits: melon, citrus, kiwi, strawberries, watermelon, raspberries, blueberries, mango, papaya and pineapple;
- Vegetables: broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, green and red peppers, spinach, potatoes, cabbage, sweet potatoes, turnip leaves, tomatoes and squash;
- Cereals fortified with vitamin C.
Step 5. Exercise
You should exercise for at least 30 minutes a day. One study has shown that doing 150 minutes of exercise a week reduces uric acid levels in the body. It also decreases the risk of developing cardiovascular disease and promotes the loss of unwanted pounds. In general, a healthy body weight corresponds to lower uric acid values.
Doing low-intensity exercise can also help you start lowering your uric acid levels. For example, if you feel unable to run, you can walk briskly for at least 15 minutes a day
Advice
- Uric acid levels aren't always related to gout. Despite having high values, some people do not develop this disease, while others experience gout attacks despite having normal values.
- There is currently no solid scientific evidence showing that other popular natural remedies (such as devil's claw) are safe and effective for fighting gout.
