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Gout is one of the most excruciating forms of arthritis. The risk of developing gout significantly increases when there is an excessive buildup of uric acid in the body. Gout is more common in men than women and is often caused by poor eating habits. Therefore, altering your diet is one of the best ways to manage this condition. Medication and other lifestyle changes can also aid in managing the disease. Below are steps to reduce uric acid levels to control and treat gout.
Steps
Control Your Diet
Understand the effects of gout on the body. Gout occurs when uric acid levels are too high, leading to the formation of uric acid crystals in the joints and other areas. Elevated uric acid levels can cause several painful conditions throughout the body.
- Because uric acid crystals are heavier than the blood that carries them, they tend to deposit in various parts of the body. However, due to gravity, these heavier crystals are typically pulled to the lower parts of the body, including the large gap between the joints in the big toe.
- Kidney stones form when uric acid crystals accumulate in the kidneys.
- Crystal masses, known as tophi, can form beneath the skin.
Completely avoid animal products high in purine content. Some meats, fish, and other animal products typically contain large amounts of purine, which gets converted into uric acid. Excessive buildup of uric acid in the joints leads to gout. Therefore, you should avoid consuming the following high-purine foods to help reduce the impact of gout:
- Organ meats
- Herring
- Anchovies
- Mackerel
Limit the consumption of all meats and fish. All types of meat, fish, and poultry contain uric acid. You don’t need to adopt a completely vegetarian diet, but reducing meat and fish intake can help with gout treatment. Try to limit the consumption of the following foods to 100-170 grams (1 serving) per day:
- Poultry
- Red meats (pork, beef, and lamb)
- Tuna
- Lobster
- Shrimp
Avoid consuming vegetables, fruits, and legumes with high uric acid content. Some non-meat products also contain high levels of purine, which contributes to the formation of uric acid in the blood. The following vegetables, fruits, and legumes are high in uric acid:
- Mushrooms
- Beans
- Peas
- Lentils
- Bananas
- Avocados
- Kiwis
- Pineapples
Limit your fat intake. Research shows that consuming high levels of saturated fat can hinder the body’s ability to process uric acid. Therefore, you should avoid fried foods and high-fat items such as whole-fat dairy. Instead, low-fat foods like fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole grains will help you manage gout more effectively.
Avoid high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS). Fructose increases uric acid levels. As a result, you should steer clear of beverages sweetened with high-fructose corn syrup, as well as desserts and products containing it. Additionally, it’s important to read product labels carefully, as HFCS can also be found in many non-sweet foods like bread or snacks.
Lifestyle Changes
Lose weight. Being overweight or obese increases the risk of developing gout. Losing weight can help manage gout and make treatment easier. Speak with your doctor about creating a healthy weight loss plan by limiting purine-rich foods. In addition to increasing physical activity, your diet should include the following foods:
- Lean proteins (excluding organ meats and fatty fish)
- Whole grains
- Low-purine fruits and vegetables
- Healthy snacks like nuts
Manage stress. Excessive stress can trigger gout flare-ups, so it’s important to manage stress levels. Regular exercise and a balanced diet can help. In addition to maintaining physical health, ensure mental well-being by implementing the following methods:
- Spend as much time for yourself as possible. Constant stress can make you more susceptible to gout’s effects.
- Practice meditation, yoga, or take time to relax. Start regularly doing activities that bring inner peace.
- Prioritize good sleep. Aim for 7-8 hours of sleep every night.
Limit alcohol intake, especially beer. Beer is considered a major contributor to elevated uric acid levels. To fight gout, it’s important to avoid beer completely. However, small amounts of alcohol won’t raise uric acid levels significantly. You can safely consume up to two servings of alcohol daily, with each serving being 150 ml, without increasing the risk of gout.
Drink plenty of water. Water helps flush uric acid out of the body, reducing its formation in the joints. Aim to drink more water than usual each day, ideally 8-16 cups (240 ml per cup).
Review the vitamins and pain medications you're using. Excessive intake of niacin-containing vitamins and certain over-the-counter medications can increase the risk of developing gout. If you're taking multiple vitamins and medications, it's important to consult with your doctor about their potential effects on gout. The following supplements and drugs may heighten the likelihood of a gout flare-up:
- Niacin
- Aspirin
- Diuretics
- Cyclosporine
- Levodopa
Medication and Other Treatment Methods
Alleviate flare-up pain with pain relievers. Gout is one of the most painful forms of arthritis, and during a flare-up, pain relievers can be very helpful. It's best to consult with your doctor to develop a medication plan that can improve your health situation. Depending on the severity of the pain, your doctor might suggest the following medications:
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), which are available over-the-counter.
- Corticosteroids, such as Prednisone.
- Colchicine, which is most effective if taken within 12 hours of an acute pain episode.
Address underlying causes of gout. Gout is not always caused by eating too much meat or purine-rich foods. Sometimes, it's due to the body’s inability to remove uric acid for various reasons. If you're affected by any of the following conditions, proper treatment is essential for managing gout:
- Some individuals suffer from gout due to enzyme deficiencies, making it difficult for their bodies to break down purine.
- Exposure to high levels of lead can also contribute to gout.
- Those who have undergone organ transplants are especially vulnerable to gout.
Consider trying new treatments for gout. Since gout tends to worsen over time, medical researchers are continually testing new treatments and medications. If gout significantly impacts your quality of life and the standard treatments you're using aren't effective, speak with your doctor about exploring alternative treatments.
