How do I Prevent Gout?

Although gout is one of the most painful joint ailments, it can be prevented and controlled through lifestyle changes. The right changes will relieve gout and have a positive impact on an individual's overall health. The most important thing that a person with gout needs to do is drink lots of water and make changes to their diets and habits.

Gout occurs when there are excessive deposits of connective tissue between the joints or bones. This can cause painful arthritis which results in swelling, pain, inflammation, and other issues. Fortunately, there are things that a person can do to treat gout, such as drinking plenty of water and maintaining an ideal body weight. Many people with gout have excessive weight that compounds the problem and causes inflammation in the joints and maintaining an ideal weight helps to prevent gout.

There is a pretty extensive list of foods that an individual can eat to prevent gout. These foods include a myriad of fruits and vegetables, specifically strawberries, blueberries, bananas, and fruits that are high in Vitamin C. A study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine discovered that the relationship between Vitamin C and gout are directly linked. Men with a high intake of Vitamin C were 45% less likely to suffer from gout.

Some of the best vegetables used to prevent gout are celery, tomato, parsley and green leafy vegetables. People with gout should substitute meat, with tofu with the exception of tuna and salmon. Fish provide essential fatty acids that are key to gout prevention. Other recommended foods include chocolate, cocoa, tea, and complex carbs like pasta and rice.

In addition to eating better and drinking lots of liquid, gout prevention also requires exercise. An individual with gout must learn how to exercise while simultaneously reducing the amount of stress placed on the joints. Exercise that doesn't induce strain is recommended.

Stress levels can also raise a persons possibility of developing gout. Stress can have a profound effect on a person's physical health and the condition of gout can be triggered under stressful situations. Stress management is key to reducing the risk of gout.

There are many natural ways that an individual can relieve and prevent gout, but there are times that natural methods are not enough. When lifestyle changes are not effectively managing gout, medications can be prescribed to relieve the symptoms. Individuals can speak with their medical doctor to determine the best route to prevent gout.