Follow These 6 Guidelines to Ward Off Gout!
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Whenever gout or uric acid levels are high, people often advise you to avoid seafood, right?
In reality, gout is a prevalent manifestation of arthritis. It may be regarded as a minor ailment before an attack, but once it takes hold, joints can quickly transform into sources of intense pain, swelling, redness, and tenderness. The pain experienced during a gout episode can be excruciating. For those who have experienced the agony of gout, is there no way to reverse this suffering?
Of course, there is!
Let dietitian and diabetes educator Jaceme compile four things not to do and two things to do, a total of six guidelines. Just follow these, and you’ll ensure that your gout improves! To improve your gout, it’s important to avoid consuming high-purine foods, such as red meat, organ meats, and shellfish. Additionally, limit your intake of alcohol and sugary drinks, as they can contribute to gout flare-ups. It’s also important to avoid crash dieting, as rapid weight loss can increase uric acid levels and trigger gout attacks. Finally, avoid dehydration by drinking plenty of water throughout the day. As for what to do, focus on consuming plenty of fruits and vegetables, as they are low in purines and can help to alkalize the body. Additionally, aim to maintain a healthy weight through regular exercise and balanced nutrition for eyes. Remember, small, sustainable changes can go a long way in managing gout.
1. Avoid High-Purine Foods
Gout is caused by elevated uric acid in the blood, which the body cannot excrete quickly enough, leading to crystallization within the body. When these crystals accumulate in joints, it results in inflammation, causing pain that can be excruciating. People with gout or at high risk must avoid or reduce the intake of high-purine foods.
High-purine foods include animal organs, red meat, seafood, certain fish (like anchovies, mackerel, sardines, and tuna), hotpot broth, hoisin sauce, yeast extract, and more.
2. Avoid Consuming Products with High Fructose Corn Syrup (HFCS)
Although HFCS contains fructose, it metabolizes differently from fructose found naturally in fruits. When HFCS is present, it promotes uric acid production, increasing the likelihood of gout. Therefore, when shopping for food products, remember to check the nutrition labels to avoid items that contain HFCS.
HFCS is commonly found in soda, breakfast cereals, bread, chocolate or sweets, yogurt, sweetened coffee (e.g., your favorite Frappuccino), and more.
3. Avoid Alcohol
Alcohol, especially beer, falls into the category of high-purine items. What’s even more concerning is that alcohol can impede kidney metabolism, hindering the body’s ability to excrete uric acid effectively. Therefore, for those dealing with gout, it’s not merely about reducing meat consumption but seriously considering complete abstinence from alcohol.
4. Avoid Overusing Medications
For individuals who have refrained from alcohol consumption and still experience gout, it’s essential to recognize that certain medications, like diuretics, can influence liver function, resulting in elevated uric acid levels. Additionally, some individuals, uncertain about whether they have gout, may self-administer medications. To safeguard your health and maintain joint well-being, it is strongly advised to seek guidance from a healthcare professional or pharmacist before initiating any medication.
5. Control Your Weight
Obesity is one of the factors that can lead to gout because excessive fat intake easily causes inflammation in the body. Moreover, research shows that individuals with higher BMI values tend to have higher serum uric acid levels compared to those with normal BMI values. Therefore, weight loss can effectively help prevent gout attacks.
6. Drink at Least 2 Liters of Water Every Day
Some say that drinking water can help excrete uric acid. Is it true? Yes, it is!
Set a goal to drink at least 2 to 3 liters of water every day. This will help in metabolizing uric acid! If you tend to forget to drink water, consider using a large water bottle to keep track of your daily water intake.
Experiencing a gout attack is indeed painful, but it’s not entirely uncontrollable. By following the six points mentioned above, you can alleviate or even prevent gout from tormenting you!
