Gout is a very debilitating form of arthritis that is caused by a build-up of uric acid around the joints. When a flare up occurs, a joint can be victimized by extreme pain. Although gout can be treated with medication, there are also some other ways of slowing it down and even stopping it altogether.
Significance
According to the Mayo Clinic, there are approximately 2 million people in the United States who suffer from gout. Gout can also cause further complications, such as kidney damage, acute gout attacks and urinary stones.
Types
Cleaning up the diet is a major contributor to gout pain. There are several foods that can be beneficial. Eat foods that are high in essential fatty acids, such as salmon and nuts, tofu and dark berries.
Identification
Being that gout is caused form a build up of uric acid, eating alkaline foods can help reduce acid levels in the body. Some of these foods include baby spinach, broccoli, kale, collards, celery, sprouts, lemons, limes and avocados. Eating alkaline foods helps to raise the body's pH level.
Considerations
Something to take into consideration is avoiding foods that are high in a substance called purines which is what causes uric acid to develop. It is important to avoid alcohol, caffeine, organ meats, mushrooms, legumes and yeast.
Prevention/Solution
Exercise can help to reduce and control uric acid levels and also increase weight loss. If you are overweight and have gout, this excess weight can put extra stress on the joints which will exacerbate the symptoms.
Expert Insight
Along with eating the right foods, drinking a lot of fluids will also help to further flush toxins and acid from the body. The Institute of Medicine recommends that men get about 3 liters of fluids a day and women get about 2.2 liters of fluids a day. Just make sure that they are not acid forming. Water is always the best choice.
Tags: uric acid, foods that, about liters, about liters fluids, acid levels, alkaline foods