Gout is one of the most painful types of arthritis. This disease arises from too much uric acid deposits in the body, and is more common in men than women. Since gout is mostly the result of poor eating habits, changing the composition of your diet is the best way to deal with it. Medications and other lifestyle changes can also help. See Step 1 for ways to lower uric acid to further treat gout.
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Method 1 of 3: Managing Your Diet
Step 1. Understand how gout affects the body
A gout attack occurs when uric acid levels are too high, resulting in the formation of uric acid crystals in the joints and other parts of the body. Increased levels of uric acid can trigger a series of diseases in the body.
- Because these crystals are heavier than the blood that carries them, they will accumulate in the body. However, due to the force of gravity, these heavy crystals are usually attracted to the lower part of the body, including the space between the joints in the big toe.
- Kidney stones occur when uric acid builds up in the kidneys.
- The formation of crystals called tophi can occur under the skin.
Step 2. Completely avoid animal foods that contain high amounts of purines
Some types of meat, fish, and other animal products contain high amounts of purines, which turn into uric acid. When uric acid builds up too much in the joints, gout will occur. Avoiding these high-purine foods completely will help reduce your gout symptoms:
- organ meat
- herring
- Anchovy
- Mackerel
Step 3. Limit your overall consumption of meat and fish
All meat, fish and chicken contain uric acid. While this doesn't mean you have to follow a vegetarian diet, cutting back on meat and fish is an important step in dealing with your illness. Limit consumption of the following foods to 100 - 200 grams (1 serving) in one day:
- Chicken
- Red meat (pork, beef and goat)
- Tuna
- Lobster
- Shrimp
Step 4. Avoid vegetables, fruits and nuts which contain high amounts of uric acid
Some non-animal products are also naturally high in purines. These foods usually also affect the formation of uric acid in the blood. The following vegetables, fruits and nuts are known to have high purine content:
- Mold
- Beans
- Peas
- Lentils
- Banana
- Avocado
- Kiwi
- Pineapple
Step 5. Reduce fat
Eating a lot of foods with saturated fat is known to inhibit the body's ability to process uric acid. Avoid fried foods and foods that are high in fat, such as high-fat milk. Low-fat foods such as fruits and vegetables, nuts and whole grains will help you deal with your gout.
Step 6. Avoid high-fructose corn syrup
Fructose can increase uric acid, so avoid drinks sweetened with high-fructose syrup, as well as desserts and other foods that contain this ingredient. Read food packaging carefully, because this high-fructose syrup (HFCS) is found in a variety of foods, even foods that don't taste sweet, such as breads and other snacks.
Method 2 of 3: Changing Your Lifestyle
Step 1. Take control of your weight
People who are overweight or obese have a greater risk of developing gout. Losing weight can help control gout and speed up your healing process. Talk to your doctor about a healthy weight loss plan that involves limiting foods high in purines. Your diet should consist of these foods, plus regular exercise:
- Healthy protein (excluding organ meats and fatty fish)
- Whole Grain
- Low purine fruits and vegetables
- Nuts and other healthy snacks
Step 2. Take control of your stress
High levels of stress can make gout worse, so take steps to keep your stress levels under control. Exercising and eating healthy will really help you. In addition to keeping your body healthy, try to take care of your mental health by doing the following:
- Take time for yourself as often as you need. If you have many reasons holding you back, then your health will be at stake.
- Meditate, do yoga, or spend some time outdoors. Start doing activities that give you peace of mind on a regular basis.
- Get enough sleep every night. Try to sleep for 7-8 hours, and follow your sleep schedule.
Step 3. Reduce alcohol consumption, especially beer
Beer is known to increase uric acid and should be completely avoided to fight gout. But wine, will not increase uric acid if only consumed a little. Drinking one or two small glasses a day will not increase your risk of gout.
Step 4. Drink lots of water
Water will help flush uric acid out of your body, thereby freeing your joints from the build-up of uric acid. Drink more than you normally would - at least 8-16 200 ml glasses of water every day.
Step 5. Check your vitamin intake and pain medication
People who consume a lot of vitamins containing niacin and painkillers are more at risk of suffering from gout. If you tend to take vitamins and medications, see your doctor to discuss how they might affect your gout. The following supplements and medications can increase the risk of a gout attack:
- Niacin
- Aspirin
- Diuretics
- Cyclosporin
- Levodopa
Method 3 of 3: Trying Medicines and Other Treatments
Step 1. Relieve the pain of a gout attack with a pain reliever
Gout is one of the most painful types of arthritis, and when it does occur, medication can be of great help. Talk to your doctor about medications that will make you healthy. Your doctor may give you two options depending on the level of your pain:
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). These drugs are available over the counter.
- Corticosteroids such as prednisone.
- Colchicine. This drug works best if taken within the first 12 hours of an acute gout attack.
Step 2. Resolve the cause
Gout doesn't always result from eating meat and other high-purine foods. Sometimes this disease arises due to the body's inability to get rid of uric acid due to other causes. If you are experiencing the following problems, then you need to get the right treatment to control your disease:
- Some people with gout have an enzyme deficiency that makes it difficult for their bodies to break down purines.
- Some people develop gout as a result of exposure to lead in the environment.
- People who get organ transplants are usually prone to gout.
Step 3. Find a new therapy for gout
Because gout is a disease that is now common, new therapies and drugs are always being tried. If gout is affecting your quality of life and conventional ways of dealing with it don't work, talk to your doctor about other options for you.
