You may suffer from a form of arthritis called gout if you suddenly experience severe joint pain and excruciating pain. Gout can be caused by high levels of uric acid. Uric acid is a crystal-forming compound that is normally filtered by the kidneys, and excreted from the body through urine. However, uric acid crystals can form and cause gout if the levels are high in the body. This is the reason it is important to lower uric acid levels and dissolve its crystals. You can do this by taking medication, changing your diet, and exercising. It's just that, talk to your doctor first before changing your diet or using drugs.
Step
Part 1 of 2: Using Drugs
Step 1. Know the risk factors for gout
If you have gout, which is a form of arthritis caused by high levels of uric acid, crystals can form in the joint fluid. Although men are more at risk, this disease can affect anyone. No one knows the exact cause of gout, but some risk factors include high meat and seafood intake, obesity, chronic diseases such as high blood pressure, diabetes, a family history of gout, or the use of certain medications.
Gout causes inflammation and bouts of joint pain (usually at night), which is accompanied by red, swollen, warm, and painful joints. The discomfort afterward may last from a few days to weeks, and can progress to chronic gout, which causes movement disorders
Step 2. See a doctor
If you have chronic gout, have frequent and painful gout attacks, talk to your doctor about starting prescription medications. Your doctor may perform several different tests to diagnose gout, including measuring the level of uric acid in your blood, a synovial fluid test (using a sample of fluid from your joints), or an ultrasound and CT scan to check for uric acid crystals. From the results of the examination, the doctor will determine the administration and selection of drugs for you.
Your doctor may prescribe xanthine oxidase inhibitors, uricosuric drugs, and less commonly used drugs such as colchicine
Step 3. Use a xanthine oxidase inhibitor class of drugs
This drug works to reduce uric acid in the body, thereby lowering its levels in the blood. Doctors will most likely prescribe this drug as the first treatment for chronic gout. Xanthine oxidase inhibitors include allopurinol (Aloprim, Zyloprim) and febuxostat (Uloric). While it may initially cause an increase in gout attacks, it will eventually prevent it.
- Side effects of allopurinol include diarrhea, drowsiness, skin rash, and decreased blood count. Be sure to drink at least 8 glasses of water while using allopurinol.
- Side effects of febuxostat include rash, nausea, joint pain, and decreased liver function.
Step 4. Try a uricosuric drug
This class of drugs will help remove uric acid from the body through urine. Uricosuric drugs will prevent the re-absorption of uric acid crystals back into the blood, so that it can reduce uric acid levels in them. The drug probenecid may be prescribed, but its use is not recommended if you have kidney problems. Start by taking 250 mg of the drug every 12 hours for the first week. The doctor may increase the dose over time, but not more than 2 grams.
Side effects of probenecid include rash, stomach pain, kidney stones, headache, and dizziness. To prevent kidney stones, you should drink at least 6-8 full glasses of water every day while using probenecid
Step 5. Avoid certain drugs
Some medications, such as thiazide diuretics (hydrochlorthiazide), and strong diuretics (such as furosemide or Lasix) should be avoided, as they can make your illness worse. You should also avoid low-dose aspirin and niacin, as they can increase uric acid levels.
Do not stop using the drug without consulting your doctor. In many cases, there are other drugs that can replace them
Part 2 of 2: Changing Your Diet
Step 1. Live a healthy and balanced diet
Try to stick to a diet rich in fiber and healthy protein. Foods rich in soluble fiber can help dissolve uric acid crystals. Soluble fiber is able to absorb crystals from the joints and help remove them from the kidneys. You should also avoid saturated fats like cheese, butter, and margarine. Reduce your intake of sugar, including high-fructose corn syrup and soft drinks, as both can trigger gout attacks. Try to include the following foods:
- Oats
- Spinach
- Broccoli
- raspberry
- Whole grain foods
- Brown rice
- Black beans
- Cherries (cherries can reduce gout attacks). One study showed that eating 10 cherries daily can prevent gout attacks.)
- Low-fat or non-fat dairy products
Step 2. Avoid foods that can increase uric acid levels
Natural compounds in food called purines are converted into uric acid in the body. Research shows that eating purine-rich foods can trigger gout attacks a few days afterward. Avoid purine-rich foods, namely:
- Meat: red meat and offal (kidneys, liver, and thymus gland)
- Seafood: tuna, lobster, shrimp, mussels, anchovies, herring, sardines, scallops, mackerel, haddock.
Step 3. Monitor your fluid intake
Drinking 6-8 glasses of water every day has been found to reduce gout attacks. Other fluids are generally included in the recommended drinking water consumption, but it is better to increase the amount of water. You should also reduce or stop consuming alcoholic beverages because they can metabolize and increase uric acid levels. If you want to drink fluids other than water, look for drinks that are low in sugar, high-fructose corn syrup, or caffeinated. Sugar can increase the risk of gout, while caffeine can cause dehydration.
You can still drink coffee in moderation (2-3 cups a day). Although not able to reduce gout attacks, some studies show that coffee can reduce uric acid levels in the blood
Step 4. Increase your vitamin C intake
Although it can't reduce gout attacks, some studies show that vitamin C can lower uric acid levels in the blood. Vitamin C is thought to be able to help the kidneys to excrete uric acid. Consider taking 500 mg of vitamin C supplements daily after consulting your doctor. If you prefer to increase your vitamin C intake through food, try eating:
- Fruits: orange melon, orange, kiwi, mango, papaya, pineapple, strawberry, raspberry, blueberry, cranberry, watermelon
- Vegetables: broccoli, brussels sprouts, cauliflower, red and green peppers, spinach, cabbage, radish leaves, sweet potatoes, potatoes, tomatoes, and squash
- Fortified cereals with vitamin C
Step 5. Exercise
Try to exercise for at least 30 minutes every day. One study showed that exercising 150 minutes a week could lower uric acid levels. Exercise can also lower the risk of cardiovascular disease and help you lose weight. Weight loss has been known to be associated with reduced uric acid levels.
Even mild, physical activity is known to be associated with a decrease in uric acid levels. For example, you could jog for 30 minutes, or take a leisurely walk for at least 15 minutes
Tips
- Uric acid levels may not always be associated with gout. Some people have high uric acid levels, but do not suffer from gout, and vice versa.
- Currently, there is no strong scientific evidence to suggest that the widely used home remedies or natural supplements (devil's claw) are safe and effective for gout.
