Content

• Steps
• Part 1 of 3: Diet
• Part 2 of 3: Lifestyle
• Part 3 of 3: Medicines and Other Therapies

Gout is one of the most painful forms of arthritis. It occurs when too much uric acid builds up in the body.This condition is more common in men than in women. Gout is usually the result of unhealthy eating habits, so changing your diet is considered one of the best treatments. Medication and other lifestyle changes can really help. Read this article to learn more about ways to lower uric acid levels and how to control gout.

Attention:the information in this article is for informational purposes only. Before using any methods, consult your doctor.

Steps

Part 1 of 3: Diet

1. 1 Know how gout affects the body. A gout attack occurs when the level of uric acid in the blood becomes too high. This leads to the formation of uric acid crystals in joints and other areas. An increase in uric acid levels can lead to a number of painful manifestations throughout the body.
   • Because these crystals are heavier than the blood in which they are found, they begin to form deposits throughout the body. However, due to natural gravity, they tend to settle in the lower parts of the body, including between the joints of the big toes.
   • Kidney stones form when uric acid crystals are deposited in the kidneys.
   • Crystalline formations, called stones, can form under the skin.
2. 2 Eliminate certain high purine animal foods altogether. Certain types of meat, fish and other animal products contain large amounts of purines, which are converted into uric acid. When too much uric acid builds up in the joints, it leads to gout. Eliminating the following foods containing purine from your diet altogether will help alleviate the effects of gout:
   • meat offal;
   • herring;
   • anchovies;
   • mackerel.
3. 3 Limit your meat and fish intake. All types of meat, fish and poultry contain some amount of uric acid. It is not necessary to become a strict vegetarian, but eating less meat and fish can be an important step in treating your illness. Limit your daily intake to 120-160 g (1 serving) of the following foods:
   • poultry meat;
   • red meat (pork, beef and lamb);
   • tuna;
   • lobster;
   • shrimps.
4. 4 Avoid vegetables, fruits, and legumes that are high in uric acid. Some non-meat foods are also naturally high in purines. These foods tend to promote the formation of uric acid in the blood. These include:
   • mushrooms;
   • beans;
   • peas;
   • lentils;
   • bananas;
   • avocado;
   • kiwi;
   • pineapples.
5. 5 Limit your fat intake. Too much saturated fat inhibits the body's ability to process uric acid. Avoid eating fried foods and foods high in fat, such as fatty dairy products. Low-fat foods such as fruits and vegetables, legumes, and whole grains can help you manage gout.
6. 6 Eliminate high fructose corn syrup from your diet. Fructose raises uric acid levels - avoid sweetened drinks containing high fructose corn syrup, desserts and other foods that contain this substance. Therefore, it is so important to carefully read the labels on the packages. This corn syrup is found in many foods that are not necessarily sweet in flavor, such as bread or snack foods.

Part 2 of 3: Lifestyle

1. 1 Lose weight. People who are overweight or obese are at increased risk of developing gout. Losing weight will allow you not only to control gout, but also to get rid of extra pounds forever. Make a healthy weight loss plan with your doctor that takes into account high purine dietary restrictions. In addition to many exercises, it should be based on the following foods:
   • lean foods (excluding meat organs and fatty fish);
   • whole grain;
   • fruits and vegetables low in purines;
   • nuts and other healthy treats.
2. 2 Be resistant to stress. Severe stress can lead to a gout attack, which is why it is so important to take steps to control your stress. Exercise and healthy food can help. In addition, to maintain a healthy body, work towards stable mental health by doing the following:
   • Take time for yourself as often as needed. If you feel like you're being torn apart by a million cases, it will take a toll on your body.
   • Meditate, do yoga, or spend some time outdoors. Constantly engage in activities that bring you inner peace.
   • Sleep as much as possible at night. Your goal is 7-8 hours, while trying to stick to a consistent regimen.
3. 3 Limit alcohol consumption, especially beer. Beer is known to increase uric acid levels and should be avoided entirely when treating gout. Wine, however, should not raise uric acid levels if consumed in small amounts. One to two servings a day (150 ml) is unlikely to affect your health.
4. 4 Drink plenty of water. Drinking enough water will not only remove uric acid from the body, but also release deposits from the joints. Drink more than usual - 8 to 16 glasses (240 ml) daily.
5. 5 Assess the amount of vitamins and medications you are taking. People who take many vitamins that contain niacin, as well as certain medications, are at increased risk of developing gout. If you tend to take a lot of vitamins and medications, check with your doctor to discuss how they might affect the development of gout. The following supplements and medications can put you at risk for gout attacks:
   • niacin;
   • acetylsalicylic acid;
   • diuretics;
   • cyclosporine;
   • levodopa.

Part 3 of 3: Medicines and Other Therapies

1. 1 Ease pain attacks with pain relievers. Gout is one of the most painful types of arthritis, and when an attack occurs, a medication can be of great help. It is important to agree with your doctor about a treatment plan that will benefit you. Your doctor may suggest the following medications, depending on the symptoms you are experiencing:
   • Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). They are available over the counter.
   • Corticosteroids such as prednisone.
   • Colchicine. Drugs based on this substance work best when taken within the first 12 hours of an acute attack.
2. 2 Treat the causes. Gout is not always the result of eating too much meat and other purine-rich foods. Sometimes this is the result of the body no longer being able to rid itself of uric acid for other reasons. For the following health problems, it is imperative that your doctor prescribes proper treatment for you to reduce gout attacks:
   • Some people with gout have enzyme defects that make it harder for the body to break down purines.
   • Some people develop gout from exposure to environmental lead.
   • People who have undergone organ transplants are especially sensitive to the disease.
3. 3 Look for new treatments for gout. With the spread of gout, new treatments and drugs are being tested. If gout is affecting your quality of life and traditional treatments are not working for you, talk to your doctor about all possible treatment options.