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Gout can be an extremely painful condition that is debilitating, leaving the affected individual with painfully inflamed joints. There are a variety of treatments for gout, but dietary measures are the most important, without which no other treatment can be effective. There are also plenty of natural treatments and methods that you can use in combination with your conventional treatments.
To understand how to control and live with gout however, it is important that you understand the causes for gout.
To simplify it, gout is caused primarily by the build up of uric acid crystal deposits in the joints and tissues surrounding these joints, because of a build up of uric acid crystals in the blood. Uric acid is present in the body of a healthy individual too, but the problem starts to develop when the uric acid levels get too high. There are a number of possible reasons for high uric acid:
Heredity factors that hamper efficient and proper processing of uric acid.
A diet high in purine rich foods. When purine is metabolized, uric acid is released, so the intake of excessive amounts of purine rich foods can create problems with your body struggling to eliminate and control the excess uric acid.
If you are on any medications for some other condition there is the possibility that some medications can cause increased uric acid levels.
Obesity also increases uric acid levels.
Excess uric acid that would normally be expelled through urine can build up if there is impairment to the kidney function.
Gout may be a very painful and debilitating condition, but it can be controlled through disciplined dieting and self care. There are a number of natural methods that you can use to relieve and reduce the risk of gout flare ups.
- A high protein diet increases the risk of attacks as it increases your blood levels of uric acid. You are advised to reduce your intake of meats because of the high protein content. Lean meats, poultry and fish may be consumed in moderation, but red meats should be avoided. Organ meats and pulses should also be avoided because of their high protein content. Fish like mackerel and herring should also be avoided as they are rich in purines.
- Alcohol is severely detrimental to a gout sufferer as it impairs the expelling of uric acid. It is best to avoid alcohol completely.
- Increase your fluid intake and make it a point to always keep yourself well hydrated as this will help dilute the uric acid present in your blood or urine.
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