09-02-2023, 08:51 PM
Preventing gout attacks involves managing risk factors and making lifestyle changes. Here are some tips that may help reduce the risk of gout:
- Maintain a healthy weight: Being overweight can increase the risk of gout, so losing weight if you're overweight and maintaining a healthy weight can help reduce the risk.
- Limit alcohol consumption: Excessive alcohol consumption can increase the levels of uric acid in the blood, which can trigger gout attacks.
- Avoid foods high in purines: Some foods, such as red meat, organ meats (e.g. liver, kidney), and seafood, are high in purines, which can increase uric acid levels. Limiting these foods or avoiding them altogether can help reduce the risk of gout.
- Drink plenty of water: Drinking enough water can help flush uric acid out of the body and reduce the risk of gout.
- Take medication as prescribed: If you have been diagnosed with gout, taking medications as prescribed by your doctor can help lower uric acid levels and prevent gout attacks.
- Exercise regularly: Regular exercise can help maintain a healthy weight and reduce the risk of gout.
- Avoid fasting or crash dieting: Rapid weight loss through fasting or crash diets can increase uric acid levels and trigger gout attacks.