For sufferers of gout, a quick and effective preventative measure is extremely high on their wish list. The good news is there are plenty of options available to you.
Gout is the body's inability to excrete uric acid via the kidneys. This causes a build of uric acid, which leads to monosodium urate crystals to settle in the joints and surrounding soft tissues, causing severe pain and swelling, as well as inflammation.
Gout will usually hit you quite rapidly, often at night. The attack can last from 2-10 days and then it will leave. For some people this is the end of it, but for many others secondary attacks occur and this is where treatment is required.
Preventative maintenance can be accomplished with prophylactic medications and careful dietary planning, to include drinking plenty of water, losing weight, and eating foods that may be high in purines in moderation. All will help in the prevention of gout.
Medications:
Medications that act to prevent future gout attacks are usually prescribed if you have had more than one attack of this condition, and after the second attack has resolved. These medications include:
Allopurinol (Zyloprim, Aloprim) blocks uric acid production by limiting the amount of uric acid produced in the body. It is effective in lowering blood uric acid levels and prevent another gout attack. . Side effects include a rash and low blood counts.
Probenecid works by improving the functioning of your kidneys which then become better at removing excess uric acid. The possible side effects are stomach pain, a rash or kidney stones.
Gout diet:
It is not written in stone that dietary changes help in gout prevention. However, you may want to consider choosing foods that have a lower purine content. Tips to do so include:
- Cut back on the amount of red meat and seafood you eat.
- Avoid alcohol.
- Eat more low-fat dairy products.
- Eat more complex carbohydrates, such as whole-grain breads.
- Lose weight by decreasing your meal sizes and getting more exercise. Losing weight can help cut down levels of uric acid.
Of special note is that most all of the foods we eat contain purines. A low purine diet cuts out most of the foods you need to stay healthy, so here is a big tip. You CAN eat foods that contain purines. You just need to eat them in moderation.
Besides, research has shown that eating a low purine diet will not make that much difference. Taking your medications as prescribed, and drinking plenty of fluids will go a long way to reducing a high uric acid level in the blood, and prevent gout flare ups.
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Jared Wright runs the marketing for Clivir.com, a comunity site offering you free learning resources. Visit the links below to learn more about other gout related issues such as gout prevention medications and natural gout treatment.
