Published: November 6, 2024
While there isn’t a cure for gout, you can reduce your chances of triggering a gout attack by avoiding certain foods — especially those containing high-fructose corn syrup, such as sugary drinks — and getting exercise.
Gout, an especially painful type of inflammatory arthritis, is caused by a buildup of uric acid that forms sharp crystals in your joints. Diet changes can reduce the amount of uric acid in your body and make it easier for your kidneys to flush it away.
Your body makes uric acid naturally when breaking down purines that are abundant in certain foods. Alcohol slows your kidneys’ ability to process uric acid and pass it into your urine, contributing to excess uric acid in your body.
Avoiding high-purine food and drink can reduce your chances of a gout flare-up or lessen its severity.
In addition to avoiding high-purine foods, effectively managing gout symptoms includes maintaining a healthy weight through proper diet and exercise. Drinking plenty of water can help flush out excess uric acid. Coffee can reduce the risk of developing gout, but its effect on preventing recurrent gout attacks isn’t as clear.
“I highly recommend getting daily exercise, such as a 30-minute walk, to reduce flare-ups. Being overweight increases the risk of gout, so maintaining a healthy weight can help lower the risk,” said Amanda R. Dewees, APRN, nurse practitioner and family medicine provider with Norton Prevention & Wellness Mobile Primary Care.
Gout symptoms often are described as starting in the big toe, typically while sleeping, and affecting primarily those assigned male at birth.
Gout symptoms in women can be different. For those assigned female at birth, gout can strike differently and affect several joints over time. It can show up in joints already damaged by osteoarthritis, such as the hands, according to the Arthritis Foundation.
In addition, the role estrogen plays in gout can complicate the condition for women. Natural estrogen can help flush uric acid out of the body, and after menopause, uric acid levels tend to increase. It’s rare for premenopausal women to get gout.
Regular visits with your primary care provider will include bloodwork. Norton Community Medical Associates is your home for primary care. We make getting great health care simple and convenient. Existing patients can schedule through your Norton MyChart account or our webpage. We welcome new patients to book online.
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