Caused by the buildup of uric acid in the body, gout is a painful condition that is more prevalent in men than women. Flare-ups of gout are so painful on the big toe that even a blanket is often too much weight. As hard as gout is to take, it can also lead to bigger problems. Considering this, there are some important measures that can be taken to prevent flare-ups and these more difficult complications.
Complications cause by gout
1. Tophi
Tophi is an extreme complication of gout that causes the buildup of uric acid into chunks
that form around your joints. This could lead to eroding bone and destroyed cartilage in
serious cases.
2. Kidney stones
Kidney stones are large deposits of minerals that form inside your kidneys, leading to severe pain, especially when they are being passed.
3. Joint damage
Because uric acid build up affects the joints, if you don’t get the situation under control you can risk long term damage in the joints.
Ways to prevent gout
As the experts say, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. By following the trifecta below, you can save yourself the trouble of tophi, kidney stones, and joint damage, in addition to the painful gout flare ups.
1. Maintain a healthy weight
Complications from gout arise more frequently when you are overweight, and in addition
to that, your joints have a harder time working to start with. Living in a healthy BMI range
will help many facets of your life, and especially your body’s reaction to a gout flare-up.
2. Drink the appropriate beverages
One important factor in lowering the risk of gout flare-ups is your fluid intake. It is extremely important to stay hydrated with water and avoid sugary drinks. Additionally, alcohol should also be avoided since it causes flare-ups too.
3. Eat the best foods
Eating foods that are low fat are important, and red meat and seafood (purine-rich foods) should be avoided. Eat a diet rich in vegetables and lean proteins.
Avoiding the triggers of gout flare ups will help your body in the long run, and also help you avoid major complications like tophi, joint damage, and kidney stones. Keeping track of your healthy diet and drinking habits will also benefit your overall weight.
