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Out with Gout
Gout is a type of inflammatory arthritis. It usually affects one joint at a time, often the big toe, but can spread to other joints making them look red and swollen.
Gout occurs when urate crystals accumulate in your joint, causing the inflammation and intense pain of a gout attack. Urate crystals can form when you have high levels of uric acid in your blood.
According to the Mayo Clinic, these are some measures you can use to reduce uric acid buildup (and risk of gout):
- Diet. Eating a diet rich in red meat and shellfish and drinking beverages sweetened with fruit sugar (fructose) increase levels of uric acid, which increase your risk of gout. Alcohol consumption, especially beer, also increases the risk of gout. Reducing or eliminating these foods can reduce your risk of developing gout.
- Weight. If you’re overweight, your body produces more uric acid and your kidneys have a more difficult time eliminating uric acid. By achieving and maintaining healthy body weight, you will also eliminate uric acid more effectively.
- Medical conditions. Certain diseases and conditions increase your risk of gout. These include untreated high blood pressure and chronic conditions such as diabetes, obesity, metabolic syndrome, and heart and kidney diseases. Maintaining a healthy diet and body composition can help to improve all of these health states. It’s also important to discuss any lifestyle changes and health changes with your healthcare provider.
If you are already suffering from gout, over-the-counter NSAIDs like ibuprofen and naproxen are often effective for pain relief during a flare-up. Speak to the Live Well team at Pharmasave Summerland about how you can avoid uric acid buildup and reduce the risk of painful gout.
Daniel Cassidy – Registered Nutritional Product Advisor