Food to Avoid to Prevent Gout

Experts found out that a diet high in purine, fat and protein plays a major role in the development of gout. Diet has always been associated with acute attacks of gout. Being overweight also places a person at higher risk for gout. This condition is the result of deposition and accumulation of sodium urate crystals that is due to abnormally high levels of serum uric acid levels. Gout attacks are characterized as extremely painful, swelling, stiffness, reddish discoloration, burning and warm sensation over the affected joints. It may also be accompanied by feeling of pressure and tightness. Fever, chills and body weakness may also occur in some cases as a result of the inflammatory process. Common joints that are affected include the first metatarsal phalangeal joint of the big toe, elbow and ankle joints.

Gout is more commonly found on adult men above 35 years of age, who are overweight, have a higher than normal blood pressure and practice sedentary lifestyle. Diagnosing this condition is done through blood tests and sometimes, synovial fluid examinations. The blood is examined to know the levels of uric acid present. Uric acid is the waste product of cell metabolism. Crystals may form due to its excessive amount. The crystal deposition itself is not symptomatic. It is when these needle-shaped crystals that accumulate in the joints that produce the classic signs and symptoms of gout. The pain and discomfort usually lasts for at least a week if left untreated. However, acute attacks can happen again. Therefore, it is important to practice strategies to prevent gout attacks from recurring.

There are few things which can be done during an acute attack of gout. It is important to avoid straining the joints by putting any weight on it. Any pressure applied on the joint may worsen the pain and cause further injury to the damaged tissues. Keeping the joint elevated can also reduce the pain and reduce the inflammation by limiting the venous circulation around the affected area. Unnecessary movements and activities must be prevented as well since it is vital to immobilize the joint. This will promote tissue repair and healing. Over-the-counter pain medications such as aspirin and ibuprofen can reduce the swelling and also lessen the pain although other drugs such acetaminophen, is not capable of reducing the swelling but only providing pain relief.

Lifestyle modification is the key to managing and preventing subsequent gout attacks. The ideal diet usually constitutes of a healthy balanced diet which is a low-purine, moderate-protein and low-fat diet. A number of common foods contain high amount of purine. These include meat and poultry such as beef, mutton, veal, venison, chicken, duck and turkey. Other food sources which are also rich in purines include mussels, herring, yeast, smelt, mushrooms and sweetbreads. Another good example of gout food to avoid is seafood like cod, crab, lobster, snapper, salmon, tuna, trout, sardines and anchovies. Some vegetables are also known to be rich in purines. Examples of these vegetables are cauliflower, asparagus, peas and spinach, as well as legumes like legumes such as lima beans, navy beans and lentils.