Gout - Prevention Is Better Than Cure

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With the increased information available on gout and its cause, it has become easier to construct a plan that can be followed to avoid gout attacks.

Do keep yourself warm

Protect your hands, wrists, elbows, knees, toes, ankles and ears from exposure to cold drafts. Cold triggers precipitation of the uric acid crystals, the main cause of gout.

Drink as much fluids as possible

Fluids dilute the uric acid and help the kidneys to excrete it. At least 10 to 12 8-ounce glasses of water should be consumed every day.

Control the food that you eat

Avoid excessive intake of food items that have high purine content, because purine is metabolized in the system to produce uric acid. More the production of uric acid, the higher is the chance of gout attacks. Organ meat, sausages, dark fillet fishes like sardines, herring, fish roes, and red and dark meat are foods rich in purine. You may also consider consulting a dietician to guide you in the formulation of a proper food chart that will help you avert gout attacks.

Do not let your body pH diminish

Avoid intake of substances that lower the pH of your body or bring about sudden changes in the physical and chemical conditions of the body. This is because, at low pH, uric acid is less soluble in the body fluid and chances of precipitation are higher. Thus possibility of gout attacks is increased. Preexisting crystals get coated over time by protein coatings that prevent the neutrophils from recognizing them and alleviating gout attacks. Lowered body pH triggers the shedding of the coatings of these preexisting crystals. This also leads to gout attacks. Certain medical conditions like psoriasis, hypothyroidism, hyperparathyroidism, hemolytic anemia, lead poisoning can make the body acidic.

Also, excessive intake of carbonated drinks, alcohol, tea, coffee, protein, aspirin, Vitamin C, Niacin, Thiazides and loop diuretics, cyclosporine and foods and drinks that have a high chlorine, sulfur or phosphorus content lower the body pH. Proteins and carbohydrates are acid forming food items.

Avoid injuries and trauma

Injuries to the joints, sudden severe ailments, hemorrhage, emotional distress, anxiety, starvation, fasting, fatigue, infections, weigh gain, rapid weight loss – all are factors that hasten gout attacks.