What is Gout? - a Quick Explination

Gout is an inflammatory arthritis that causes excruciating pain and swelling triggered by the crystallization of uric acid within the joints. Estimates from the ACR report that more than 8.3 million Americans suffer with gout. Medical evidence reports that long-term gout management requires treatment with medications that lower urate levels by inhibiting uric acid production (allopurinol) or increasing uric acid excretion (probenecid) through the kidneys.

How to Reduce Gout with 12 Tips

Gone are the days when diet prescriptions were only about what ‘not to eat’. Fortunately modern day diet prescriptions focus just as much on what needs to be included in the diet. Quite similarly the diet for reducing raised uric acid has undergone many changes. Here are top 12 tips which will help reduce uric acid levels.

1. What is interesting to note is that not all purine rich foods can increase uric acid levels in the same way. Therefore, not all purine rich foods need to be avoided as a rule.
   
2. A vegetarian diet with enough fruits and vegetables can increase the alkalinity in the body.
   
3. It is for the same reason (foods that increase alkalinity in the body) that the hitherto forbidden items—peas and beans—are now recommended. One can include peas and beans in moderate amounts when prescribing a low uric acid diet.
   
4. Similarly, cauliflower and spinach (increase alkalinity in body), which were previously on the list of forbidden items can now be consumed.
   
5. Tea and coffee is permitted in moderation (2 to 3 cups in a day).
   
6. Vitamin C rich foods are helpful. Which means that one should include guavas, oranges and Indian gooseberry (amla) in a uric acid reducing diet.
   
7. Bromelain, the enzyme present in pineapple, is also of value in such a diet.
   
8. Low fat dairy products reduce the risk of gout and can be used freely in a uric acid lowering diet.
   
9. Cherries are the new wonder food that can alleviate symptoms.
   
10. Besides red cherries, blueberries and other berries are also beneficial in reducing the pain caused by gout.
    
11. Adequate water intake can do wonders in this diet. It also prevents the formation of uric acid crystals, which lead to the symptoms of gout.
    
12. Losing weight will definitely helpful in reducing the symptoms of gout which is joint pain.

*Data Courtesy: Nutritionist Neelanjana Singh, Heinz Nutri Life Clinic, Delhi, www.hnfi.org

Causes of High Uric Acid and Gout Attacks

A lot of gout patients get too caught up in finding a cure for gout. Unfortunately, they tend to overlook common causes of gout attacks. Gout patients tend to dismiss these causes of gout attacks since many of them do not seem that threatening. Some of these gout triggers seem safe.  Some of these gout causes even appear healthy at first glance.  However, experts have found out that many of these majorly affect the amount of uric acid the body. Left unchecked they can cause or seriously aggravate a  gout attack.

Some Common Causes of High Uric Acid and Gout Attacks.

1. Dehydration
Aside from the various unhealthy side effects of loss of water, dehydration may also specifically contribute to the concentration of the fluids in the body. Dehydration can lead to a high uric acid concentration which will lead to painful gout attacks and other complications. The kidneys will not be able to flush excess fluids from the body including uric acid if the body is deprived of water. Make sure to drink up to 8 glasses of water every day to stabilize the fluids in our body and to prevent the occurrence of high uric acid in the body.
2. Drinking Alcohol
We often see from medical journals that moderate alcohol consumption is actually beneficial to one’s diet. It is even recommended by some doctors and other experts to promote healthy living. In a gout patient’s case however, alcohol consumption is a huge no. Alcohol, especially beer, interferes with the natural excretion of uric acid from the body. Alcohol is high in purines and dehydrates the body, contributing to high uric acid levels in the body.

High uric acid levels increase your risk of gout attacks.

3. Heavy Exertion
Normal exertions of the body like exercise are essential in reducing gout attacks and in promoting a healthy lifestyle. It is one of the most vital aspects of healthy living. However, when the body is subjected to too much heavy activity, the body reacts by temporarily increasing the already high uric acid in the body. This could mean another gout attack for a gout patient. Exercise only in a reasonable pace and intensity. Do not strain the joint areas too much as they are the targets of gout attacks. Joint strains, like unnecessary running or too much exertion of force on the knees and elbows is not helpful to a gout patient’s welfare. Minimize unnecessary strain on the joints  the you will be good to go.

4. High Fructose Level in the Body
Fructose is a beneficial part of a person’s diet, especially if he or she suffers from gout. A dose of fructose can be acquired from fruits and is recommended by doctors to promote a healthy diet for gout patients. However, too much fructose is still sugar, and sugar is still contributory to high uric acid. Make sure that you are consuming a reasonable amount of fructose and you shall be safe. Moreover, it is advisable to stay away from artificial sweets that contribute to a high uric acid level and stick to a more natural diet.

5. Eating Too Much Meat
Meat is often harmless. It is in fact an important part of a healthy person’s diet. Meat is an important source of protein which is needed for muscle build up and repair. Unfortunately the consumption of meat should be put under watch in order to avoid the increase of uric acid. Animal protein has is high in purines and is a contributing factor to a high uric acid diet yield. A high uric acid diet increases the uric acid levels of the body. A high uric acid level caused by purines will definitely lead to gout attacks and pains. Organs such as heart, liver and brains should be avoided at all cost.

Foods to Aviod for a Healthy Uric Acid Diet

 

 

Watching your uric acid diet yield is a crucial part in reducing uric acid and preventing gout. Your diet alone accounts for 30% of your body’s total uric acid levels. A low uric acid diet will help lower your body’s uric acid levels. Knowing which foods to avoid with gout will help you considerably lower your uric acid diet yield. Avoiding  foods that will add to your uric acid diet yield will prevent gout attacks as a result. As the old adage says, prevention is better than cure.

Foods to Avoid with Gout

Foods High in Purines 
The purine content of your food dictates your uric acid diet yield. A high purine content in the diet will significantly increase gout sufferer’s chances of having a painful gout attack.  If you have gout, it is important that you should know the purine content of the food you usually eat. Knowing which foods to avoid with gout can significantly help prevent gout attacks. You should avoid foods with high purine content to prevent gout attacks and reduce uric acid levels. Remember – a high purine diet is a high uric acid diet.
Generally you should avoid eating liver, small and large intestines, spleen, heart, kidneys and other animal organ meats. Seafood you should avoid are sardines, mackerel, herring, clams and mussels. You should also reduce your intake of fatty, greasy and spicy foods. Red meats should be consumed moderately depending on your current uric acid level.  Foods that you can consume in moderation should be avoided during a gout episode. visit this purine content table to check which foods are high in uric acid.
Alcohol and Diuretics

It is important to stay hydrated to promote the excretion of uric acid from your body. You should also avoid foods that are diuretics. Diuretic means it dehydrates you – making it harder for your body to expel excess uric acid.

First off, you should refrain from drinking alcohol, especially beer. Not only does it increases your uric acid but is also a diuretic.  You should also moderate your consumption of caffeinated beverages like coffee, dark tea and sodas since they are also diuretics. While it is still being researched whether coffee or caffeine can actually lower uric acid levels, or at the very least be gout neutral, these beverages are still diuretics. If you find it necessary to drink caffeinated beverages, make sure you drink lots of water throughout the day to re-hydrate your body.

Pastries with Yeast and Chocolate.

While this may be heartbreaking to some, pastries with yeast and chocolate increase your uric acid levels. Yeast (brewer or baker) are among the highest in purine content per 100g ( 680mg /100g and 1810/100g respectively). Chocolate contains Theobromine which contains a whopping 2300 mg/ 100g of purine.

Discipline, Awareness and Healthy Habits.

Again the key here is discipline. You should also take the time to learn about the food you eat, and take note of foods that seem to trigger your gout. There is no set uric acid level that triggers gout attacks, each person has a different threshold so you should pay attention to how your body reacts. You should also form some healthy habits to reduce uric acid and prevent gout attacks.

If you are unsure about a part of your diet, consult your doctor about it. Even though there are a lot of resources online to help you, consulting with your doctor is still the best way to fine tune your diet and reduce uric acid levels.

Gout Treatment and Medication

Gout treatment medication can help alleviate gout pains and reduce uric acid levels. Medication is the gout treatment doctors would initially recommend. The effectiveness of gout remedies can be inconsistent for some gout patients. Gout can also become too severe for healthy habits and natural gout remedies to manage. In these cases gout treatment and medication becomes necessary for gout relief and preventing gout attacks.
There are literally hundreds of drugs and multiple gout treatment choices that provide gout relief and/or reduce uric acid levels. Make sure that you have carefully consulted your doctor first before taking these medications. Remember to only take medicine that your doctor has prescribed you. Self-medication is very dangerous and can even do more harm than good.

Common Gout Treatment Medicines

Allopurinol
Allopurinol is a Xanthine oxidase inhibitor which reduces uric acid levels. Allopurinol is a preventive drug meaning it helps prevent gout attacks. It is not used for treating symptoms of gout attacks.
Allopurinol works by blocking the creation of uric acid. The blockage of uric acid creation reduces the build up of uric acid in various joints in the body, helping the body manage its uric acid levels.
Note that alcoholic beverages reduce the potency of Allopurinol. Steer clear of any drinks with alcohol while taking allopurinol and keep hydrated.

Side effects of Allopurinol may include skin rashes and reduced blood count.

If gout is too severe, it is necessary to use medication.

Probenecid
The primary function of Probenecid is to improve the body’s excretion of uric acid. Probenecid is not recommended for people with current kidney problems. Make sure your kidneys are healthy since the kidneys are the center of action for Probenecid.
Note that Probenecid can increase the uric acid content of your urine and may skew your uric acid test.
Side effects of Probenecid may include hair loss, dizziness and headache.
Colchicine
Colchicine is extracted from the plant Autumn Crocus or Colchicum. It is used to relieve the pain from gout attacks. It works by inhibiting the inflammatory response of the body’s immune system to uric acid crystal deposits in joints. This immune response inhibition provides symptomatic relief from a gout attack.
Note that Colchicine does not reduce uric acid, and so does not cure gout. It is only used as an effective agent in reducing gouty inflammation or providing pain relief during a gout attack.
Side effects of Colchicine may include vomiting and nausea and in some cases diarrhea.

CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR FIRST BEFORE TAKING THESE GOUT TREATMENT MEDICINES.

Home Remedies for Gout

Gout remedies can save you from prolonged suffering and offer considerable gout relief. For those who suffer from gout, the pain can be quite intense and long lasting. Home  gout remedies can be very useful for people who want to avoid medication as much as possible.  There are simple ways to achieve gout relief and even reduce uric acid. These gout remedies can also prevent future gout attacks. These home gout remedies can be administered at home using common household items.

What Makes Gout Painful?

Gout is caused by the buildup of uric acid in the bloodstream. High uric acid levels is usually due to too much purines in your diet or the inability of the kidneys to excrete excess uric acid. When too much of uric acid is present it tends to collect in the lowest joints in the body. There it begins to harden and interfere with the function of the joints.
This hardening of the uric acid and preventing the joint from functioning causes a tremendous amount of pain. While the body will eventually re-absorb the uric acid as it breaks up, the flare-ups will still cause a considerable amount of pain much like arthritis.

Common Home Gout Remedies for Gout Relief.

While there is no cure for gout, there are plenty of home gout remedies for the pain of gout attacks. Some of these gout remedies can even prevent gout attacks from occurring. Using these home gout remedies can help considerably in gout treatment and gout relief over a lifetime. These gout remedies can also be used together to provide the most amount of gout relief. Remember that these home gout remedies offer only temporary gout relief. Consult your doctor regarding these home gout remedies or any gout remedy before you use them.

Drink More Water
Drinking lots of water should be the first of the gout remedies you should take during a gout attack. Drinking water can reduce the pain of gout by helping to dilute and flush out the uric acid. Water also helps dissolve the uric acid crystals in your joints. By drinking plenty of water each day, you can find some gout relief that will curb the intensity of the pain if flare-ups should occur. For added benefit you can add a teaspoon of baking soda to a glass of water before drinking. This alkalizes the water which helps lower uric acid.

Why Monitor Uric Acid Levels?

 

High Uric Acid levels cause gout. It’s that plain and simple. The higher your uric acid levels are, the higher your risk is to get gout. And for those who already have gout, a high uric acid level means a higher chance of gout attacks. Your uric acid level is the key factor to your gout risk., whether your diet yields too much uric acid or your kidneys are having difficulty excreting uric acid.

The Best Gout Remedy is to Reduce Uric Acid

There’s no way around it – the best gout remedy is to reduce uric acid levels in your body. Gout is caused by the buildup of uric acid in the joints. When you lower the uric acid in your body, you reduce the possibility of uric acid collecting and hardening in your joints. Eventually this also lowers the uric acid that is already in your joints. The less uric acid crystals in your joints, the less likely you’ll get gout attacks. Reducing uric acid during a gout attack can also bring pain relief and shorten its duration.

Lower Uric Acid Means Less Gout Attacks. Less Gout Attacks Mean a Better Life.

Don’t let gout keep you from doing the things you love. 

In the long run it’s not just an issue of pain and pain management, it’s all about the quality of life a gout sufferer experiences. Suffering painful gout episodes can hinder you from doing the things you love. Carrying your child in your arms shouldn’t be a painful experience. Living in fear of a gout episode could be just as worse. Constantly worrying if what you’re eating will trigger a gout attack can be tiresome. How to Reduce Uric Acid dot Net equips you with useful information on gout remedies and reducing uric acid so you’ll never have to fear gout attacks again.

Reducing and managing your uric acid level is a commitment every gout sufferer should take. If done right, managing your uric acid level will make your life gout pain free. It takes discipline and determination, but it’s a small price to pay considering the alternative – suffering painful gout attacks for the rest of your life. We at HTRUA aim to help you on your way to a gout pain free life.

What is Gout?

Many people suffer from gout yet they do not know what is gout. Understanding what is gout and its causes is the first step to fighting it.
Gout is a type of arthritis that results from the exceeding amounts of uric acid in the body. It is characterized by painful swelling of one’s joints. Gout most commonly affects the metatarsal-phalangeal joint located at the base of the big toe. The ankles, wrists and knees may also be affected. Also known as the “disease of kings”, is a disease afflicting over 2.1 Americans and accounts for almost 5 percent of all arthritic cases.

What Causes Gout?

The uric acid levels in the body increases when the body produces more uric acid than the  body can eliminate. This results in Hyperuricemia, the condition when the body has exceeded the normal uric acid concentration of the body. The excess uric acid can crystallize and deposit in the joints. These crystals cause gout, characterized by pain and swelling in the joints. Excess uric acid can also form kidney stones and tophi formations.

There are many factors that affect the levels of uric acid in our body. The efficiency of the kidneys in filtering and reducing uric acid levels is probably the most important factor. Medical conditions such as diabetes, obesity, hyperthyroidism and high blood pressure have been observed to contribute to high uric acid levels.
Genetics also plays a factor in a person’s risk of gout. Some people can have high uric acid levels and not experience any gout symptoms. Other People can have get very severe gout with the same high level of uric acid.
Your diet can also greatly increase or reduce uric acid levels in your body. Purine-rich food such as beans, liver and anchovies are known to increase the amount of uric acid in the body. Alcohol consumption is also a contributor to uric acid increase. Aspirin, an anti-inflammatory drug, can cause an increase in uric acid levels.

What is Uric Acid?

Uric acid is the byproduct formed when your body breaks down and metabolizes purines. Purines are organic compounds found in in the genetic structure of plants and animals. That means all kinds of food have purines. Some foods contain more purines than others. As a result some food produces more uric acid when digested.

What is Uric Acid For? Does it Even Have a Purpose?

Uric acid is not to be mistaken as a useless waste product.  In fact uric acid is the most abundant antioxidant in our blood. Its powerful antioxidant properties help prevent aging and are known to fight heart disease and cancer formation. It also prevents oxidation of lipids, as a result preventing them from damaging our tissues.
High levels of uric acid however, result in Hyperuricemia. Hyperuricemia can leads Gout.

What is Hyperuricemia? What Causes High Uric Acid Levels?

Hyperuricemia is the condition where the body has an abnormally high concentration of uric acid. Hyperuricemia can cause uric acid formation in the joints, leading to gout. Hyperuricemia can also manifest as urate kidney stones or tophi formations.

The uric acid level is maintained by our kidneys and intestines. Most of the uric acid in our system is filtered by our kidneys and is excreted through urine.
An increase in uric acid levels in the body can be brought about by a number of factors. It can be due to the kidneys failing to reduce uric acid levels in the body. It can be caused by the body producing too much uric acid. It can also be due to an increase in purine content and uric acid yield of your diet.
It is very important to know how to maintain a healthy level of uric acid. Make it a point to know how to reduce uric acid levels in your system to avoid hyperuricemia and gout. There are a lot of gout treatment medication and gout remedies to help with hyperuricemia and gout. It is best to consult your doctor regarding your gout and uric acid concerns.