A form of arthritis, gout is characterized by an acute episode of severe pain and inflammation of the joints that often affects the big toe. It occurs when one has high levels of uric acid in the blood. This excessive uric acid then forms hard, urate crystals that accumulate around the joint.
Uric acid is produced when the body breaks down purines, substances that are naturally found in the body as well as certain foods. Under normal circumstances, the body eliminates the uric acid via kidneys when it is dissolved in the blood. However, the ability of the body to excrete the excessive uric acid, at times, might be affected by factors such as an unhealthy diet, obesity, certain types of medications, chronic conditions, and recent surgery or trauma.
If gout is left untreated, it can lead to recurrent bouts of pain and swelling in the joint, affect other joints of the body, or form kidney stones. Fortunately, gout can be managed well with medications, diet, and home remedies.
Treating gout
To confirm the diagnosis, doctors will recommend a couple of tests that may include a joint fluid and blood exam, an X-ray, a dual energy CT scan, and an ultrasound.
To help manage acute attacks of gout and prevent future ones, the doctor will prescribe NSAIDs (Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs), pain relievers, or corticosteroids based on the severity of the symptoms. These medicines will help lower pain, swelling, and tenderness caused due to gout. However, each of these medications might have some side effects. Patients who are already on some other treatment course or have preexisting conditions should discuss it with their doctor beforehand to avoid any unpleasant drug interactions.
Patients who experience severe or multiple episodes of gout attacks might be advised to use medications that inhibit the production of uric acid or improve the kidney’s ability to eliminate uric acid from the body.
While medications can come to the rescue during acute attacks, one should seriously consider making changes to their lifestyle. The following preventive measures can help prevent gout attacks in the future:
- Alcohol and sodas amplify the uric acid production in the body. Moreover, it increases inflammation levels in the body, further aggravating the swelling and tenderness. Abstinence from alcohol and sodas can help limit the uric acid levels as well as prevent swelling of the joints.
- One should also refrain from having foods that are rich in purines, especially red meat, seafood, and organ meat. Conversely, it is safe to have purine-rich vegetables like asparagus and spinach as they don’t significantly amplify the uric acid levels in the blood.
- Maintaining a healthy weight can reduce the strain on the immune system and kidneys and can help the body efficiently remove excess uric acids from the blood.
Some studies suggest that the following types of foods have the potential to stabilize the uric levels in the blood:
- Apples
- Cherries
- Mushrooms
- Potatoes
- Legumes
- Nuts and seeds
- Coffee
- Plant-based oils such as canola, coconut, flax, and olive
- Herbs and spices
- Whole grains
If one is confused about planning their everyday diet, they can seek help from a nutritionist or their doctor.
