Gout is a type of arthritis caused by high levels of uric acid in the blood. This condition is characterized by sudden attacks of severe pain, redness, and swelling in the joints.

It commonly affects the big toe, but it can also occur in other joints such as the ankle, knee, wrist, and elbow. Gout flare-ups can be quite painful and can significantly affect your quality of life. Fortunately, there are several ways to prevent gout attacks. In this article, we’ll share 10 tips for preventing a gout flare-up.

Tip #1: Maintain a Healthy Weight

Being overweight or obese increases your risk of developing gout and can also make your flare-ups worse. When you’re overweight, your kidneys have a harder time getting rid of uric acid, which can lead to higher levels of uric acid in your blood.

Losing weight and maintaining a healthy weight is one of the best things you can do to prevent gout attacks. According to the Arthritis Foundation, losing even a small amount of weight can reduce your risk of gout.

Tip #2: Stay Hydrated

Dehydration can also contribute to gout flare-ups. When you don’t drink enough water, your kidneys have a harder time flushing out uric acid from your body. This can lead to higher levels of uric acid in your blood, which can trigger a gout attack.

Make sure you drink plenty of water throughout the day, and limit your alcohol and sugary drink intake, which can dehydrate you.

Tip #3: Choose Foods That Lower Uric Acid

Certain foods can help lower uric acid levels in the blood, which can reduce your risk of gout flare-ups. Some of the best foods for gout prevention include:.

Fruits, especially cherries, which have been shown to lower uric acid levels
Vegetables such as leafy greens, tomatoes, and cucumbers
Whole grains such as brown rice, quinoa, and whole wheat bread
Low-fat dairy products such as milk and yogurt
Lean proteins such as chicken, fish, and tofu

Avoiding high-purine foods such as red meat, organ meats, shellfish, and certain types of fish such as anchovies and sardines can also help lower uric acid levels and prevent gout attacks.

Tip #4: Take Supplements

Several supplements have been shown to help lower uric acid levels in the blood and reduce the risk of gout attacks. Some of the most effective supplements for gout prevention include:.

Cherry extract
Vitamin C
Folic acid
Bromelain
Quercetin

Consult with your healthcare provider before taking any supplements, especially if you’re on medication or have any underlying health conditions.

Tip #5: Avoid Trigger Foods

While some foods can help prevent gout attacks, others can trigger them.

Foods high in purines, such as red meat, organ meats, shellfish, and certain types of fish such as anchovies and sardines, can increase uric acid levels in the blood and trigger gout attacks. Limiting these foods in your diet can help prevent gout flare-ups.

Tip #6: Limit Alcohol Intake

Alcohol can also contribute to gout flare-ups. Beer and hard liquor are especially high in purines, which can increase uric acid levels in the blood. In addition, alcohol can dehydrate you, which can make gout attacks more likely.

If you do choose to drink, limit your intake and drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.

Tip #7: Wear Comfortable Shoes

Tight or uncomfortable shoes can put pressure on your toes and feet, which can trigger gout attacks in these areas. Make sure to wear comfortable, supportive shoes that fit well and don’t rub against your feet.

Tip #8: Exercise Regularly

Regular exercise can help you maintain a healthy weight and reduce your risk of gout attacks. Low-impact exercises such as swimming, biking, and yoga are ideal for people with gout since they don’t put excessive stress on the joints.

Exercise can also help improve circulation and reduce inflammation in the body, which can help prevent gout flare-ups.

Tip #9: Practice Stress Management

Stress can also contribute to gout flare-ups. When you’re stressed, your body produces more cortisol, a hormone that can increase inflammation in the body.

Finding healthy ways to manage stress, such as meditation, yoga, or deep breathing exercises, can help reduce stress and lower your risk of gout attacks.

Tip #10: Take Medications as Prescribed

If you’ve been prescribed medications for gout, make sure to take them as directed by your healthcare provider. Medications such as allopurinol and colchicine can help lower uric acid levels, reduce inflammation, and prevent gout attacks.

However, these medications only work if you take them consistently and as directed.

Conclusion

By following these 10 tips, you can significantly reduce your risk of gout flare-ups.

Maintaining a healthy weight, staying hydrated, choosing the right foods, taking supplements, avoiding trigger foods, limiting alcohol intake, wearing comfortable shoes, exercising regularly, practicing stress management, and taking medications as prescribed can all help prevent gout attacks and improve your quality of life.