Managing Gout:
- Managing gout is crucial not only for relieving the pain and discomfort associated with acute attacks but also for preventing long-term joint damage and other related health issues.
- Elevated uric acid levels not only contribute to gout attacks but can also lead to kidney stones and other kidney problems. By addressing and controlling uric acid levels, individuals can improve their overall joint health and reduce the risk of related complications.
What can we do to prevent Gout:
Preventing gout involves adopting a combination of lifestyle changes and, when needed, seeking appropriate medical guidance. Here are some tips to consider:
- Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water helps flush out excess uric acid from the body.
- Maintain a Healthy Weight: Being overweight can contribute to higher uric acid levels, so maintaining a healthy weight through balanced eating and regular exercise is beneficial.
- Limit Purine-Rich Foods: Foods high in purines, such as red meat, organ meats, and certain seafood, can elevate uric acid levels. Moderating their consumption can help.
- Consume Low-Fat Dairy: Low-fat dairy products have been associated with a reduced risk of gout.
- Limit Alcohol: Alcohol, particularly beer, can increase uric acid levels, so limiting alcohol intake is advisable.
- Consider Dietary Supplements: Supplements like "Gout Force" can assist in reducing elevated uric acid levels and supporting healthy blood uric acid levels when used as part of a balanced approach.
References:
Rai SK, Aviña-Zubieta JA, McCormick N, De Vera MA, Shojania K, Sayre EC, et al. The rising prevalence and incidence of gout in British Columbia, Canada: population-based trends from 2000 to 2012. Semin Arthritis Rheum. 2017 Feb;46(4):451–56.
Kuo CF, Grainge MJ, Zhang W, Doherty M. Global epidemiology of gout: prevalence, incidence and risk factors. Nat Rev Rheumatol. 2015 Nov;11(11):649–662.
Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC). Life with arthritis in Canada: a personal and public health challenge. Ottawa (ON): PHAC; 2010 [cited 2019 Mar 20]. Available from: www.canada.ca/content/dam/phac- aspc/migration/phac-aspc/cd-mc/arthritis-arthrite/lwaic-vaaac-10/pdf/ arthritis-2010-eng.pdf
Khanna D, Fitzgerald JD, Khanna PP, Bae S, Singh MK, Neogi T, et al. 2012 American College of Rheumatology guidelines for management of gout. Part 1: systematic nonpharmacologic and pharmacologic therapeutic approaches to hyperuricemia. Arthritis Car Res (Hoboken). 2012 Oct;64(10):1431–46.
Van Durme CM, Wechalekar MD, Landewé RB. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for treatment of acute gout. JAMA. 2015 Jun; 313(22):2276–7.
Engel B, Just J, Bleckwenn M, Weckbecker K. Treatment options for gout. Dtsch Ärztebl Int. 2017 Mar;114(13):215.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4922806/ A randomized, double-blind, placebo-, and positive-controlled clinical pilot study to evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of standardized aqueous extracts of Terminalia chebula and Terminalia bellerica in subjects with hyperuricemia.
