Gout Prevention
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"Get Out the Gout"
There are no know ways of preventing Gout.
Total alcohol intake is strongly associated with an increased risk of gout (beer and
liquor were particularly strong factors). The one thing you can do to for gout prevention
is to limit your intake of alcohol. This is especially true if you have gout in your
family.
But there are some things you can do the prevent an attack.
Gout Prevention and Foods
Certain foods that are high in purines can increase uric
acid levels and thus bring on an acute attack of gout. These foods include red meats,
shellfish, beer, red wine and salt. Some medications, such as diuretics (water pills) that
are often used to control high blood pressure or reduce swelling, also may cause an acute
attack of gout. Stress, infection, and trauma also are possible causes.
Drinking 6-8 glasses of water each day, eating an
appropriate diet, and evaluating current medications will reduce the likelihood of an
attack or lessen the severity should it occur. If you have a personal or family history of
gout, regular examinations by a podiatric surgeon also will reduce the potential for an
attack.
Gout Prevention and Alcohol.
Alcohol increases the production of uric acid and must be eliminated from the diet.
Alcohol is known to have diuretic effects which can contribute to dehydration and
precipitate acute gout attacks. Alcohol can also affect uric acid metabolism and cause hyperuricemia. It causes gout by impeding (slowing down) the
excretion of uric acid from the kidneys as well as by causing dehydration, which
precipitates the crystals in the joints. |
