Gout is a metabolic disorder caused by high levels of uric acid in the body. Uric acid can create the formation of crystals that are deposited in the joints and other tissues, causing gout. If you have this disease and would like to lose weight, you need to change your diet, start exercising and talk to your doctor about specific treatments.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Make a Healthy Diet
Step 1. Avoid foods rich in purines
Purines are natural substances found in almost all foods. However, those who have many are very few. Purines can raise uric acid levels causing or worsening gout. Foods to avoid include:
- Anchovies, sardines, sweet bread and animal products such as liver or brain.
- Also try to avoid asparagus, carp, cauliflower, lobster, mushrooms, oysters, rabbits, spinach, trout, and veal.
Step 2. Follow a low sugar diet
If you decrease the amount of sugar in your diet, you will lose weight more easily. Remember that fructose is also a sugar and can raise uric acid levels. If you have gout, you better avoid it.
Avoid fructose-based products, such as carbonated drinks and corn syrup
Step 3. Balance the carbohydrates you ingest
There are "good" carbohydrates, like whole grains, and "bad" ones, like all foods that contain saturated fat. Try reducing the amount of refined carbohydrates and focusing on complex ones.
Complex carbohydrates include whole grains, breads and cereals
Step 4. Cut down on saturated fat
Saturated fat can slow down the elimination of uric acid from the body. Diets high in fat can also increase the risk of obesity and subsequent gout attacks. If you want to lose weight, pay attention to the amount of fat you ingest.
- To reduce the amount of fat in your diet, eat low-fat dairy products.
- Try lean proteins - they have very low or no fat content.
- When cooking instead of butter or margarine, use olive oil - it contains monounsaturated (good) fats.
Step 5. Stay hydrated
If you drink enough water, you reduce the risk of developing crystals around your joints. The amount of water you should drink mostly depends on your weight and lifestyle. Try to drink as much as possible throughout the day.
In general, try to drink about 2 liters of water per day. If you exercise a lot, drink about 3 liters
Step 6. Reduce the amount of alcoholic beverages
Alcohol can obstruct the process of eliminating uric acid from the body and contains a high amount of calories. If you don't want to gain weight, try to eliminate alcoholic beverages from your diet altogether.
Beer and spirits contain more purines than wine. Think about it when you choose your drink in the evening
Method 2 of 3: Increase Your Physical Activity Level
Step 1. Try to train consistently
To lose weight, you should exercise for half an hour 5 days a week. Start with light exercises and gradually move on to a more intense workout. If you have gout, consult a doctor before starting physical activity.
- Start with light exercises like walking, swimming, cycling (slowly), or gardening.
- For example, you can start walking slowly for short distances. As you get stronger, walk faster for longer distances.
Step 2. Try Cardiovascular Activities
Once you start exercising frequently, start doing more intense cardiovascular activities. Your body will learn to use oxygen properly and as a result will facilitate the metabolization of uric acid and eventual weight loss.
Try sports like jogging, biking, swimming, mountain climbing, skating, and dancing
Step 3. If you have a gout attack, rest
From time to time, physical activity could cause gout attacks. If that happens, rest:
- Lie down and keep your legs and arms raised.
- Bend the joints slightly when they are raised.
- Protect your joints and don't move much.
Method 3 of 3: Contact Your Doctor
Step 1. Consider taking medications to fight gout and lose weight
Aside from eating healthy and exercising, you may also want to take some medicine. With medication, you are less likely to have gout attacks during diet or exercise.
The different types of medicines will be described in the next steps
Step 2. Talk to your doctor about colchicine
This treatment can be used for acute attacks. Colchicine interferes with white blood cells which cause inflammation caused by crystal deposition. If you take this alkaloid the gout attacks will decrease.
The standard dose is usually 0.5 to 1.2 mg, then 0.5 to 0.6 mg every 1-2 hours, or 1 to 1.2 mg every 2 hours until symptoms subside
Step 3. Consider taking Allopurinol
This drug, also called Purinol, Zyloprim, or Lopurin, can be taken as an aid in the prevention of gouty arthritis by helping the body not to produce uric acid.
This drug is taken orally. The common dose is 100 mg per day, but it can vary at weekly intervals based on your body's uric acid production
Step 4. Consult your doctor about Probenecid
This drug, also called Benuryl or Probalan, helps prevent gouty arthritis. It blocks the absorption of uric acid and helps your kidneys eliminate what is present.
The dose is usually 250 mg twice a day for 1 week. It can be increased up to 500 mg twice a day if your body produces a lot of uric acid
Advice
- Don't overdo physical activity, especially if you're just starting out. Start slowly and in small steps.
- Before changing your diet, playing sports or taking medicines, always consult a doctor.
