Diet & Prevention of Gout

Gout, or gouty arthritis, is a condition that develops when too much uric acid builds up in the body and causes pain, inflammation and redness in the joints. Normally, the body flushes out uric acid, but sometimes it may begin to produce too much or is not as efficient at removing it. Gout can affect any joint, but it is most common in the big toe and feet. Anyone can develop gout, but it is more common in men than women. Luckily, there are some steps people who are prone to the condition can take to help prevent gout attacks.

Gout Diet

Following a specific diet can help prevent gout attacks because it helps limit uric acid in the body. The key to preventing gout is avoiding foods that are high in purines, a protein found naturally in some food sources. High-purine foods include organ meats, sweet breads, anchovies, mackerel, herring, scallops and game meats. These foods should be avoided, and people should limit their consumption of red meat, poultry and seafood, which also contain purines. Good food sources include whole grains, fresh produce and low-fat dairy products. Some people also have had success eating fruits high in vitamin C to help stave off gout. Good sources of vitamin C include cherries, strawberries and other berries and citrus fruits. To prevent gout or help treat the symptoms of an attack, these fruits must be eaten daily.

Water

It's very important for people with gout to drink plenty of fluids--preferably water--because it can help flush uric acid out of the body. It's also important to avoid alcohol, which can prevent the body from excreting uric acid. Beer, too, is a bad choice because it is high in purines. People prone to gout should try to limit alcohol intake. If you are having an attack, avoid it completely to speed up the recovery.

Home Remedies

There are several home remedies that are thought to help ease the symptoms of a painful gout attack. One is a ginger bath. To do this, simply add a third of a cup of ground ginger to a hot bath, and soak the affected joints for about 30 minutes. This will make you sweat and help the body excrete uric acid. When you are done soaking, be sure to rinse the area completely to prevent skin irritation. Soaking your feet in Epsom salt also can help. Just add two cups of Epsom salt to hot water, and soak until the water is no longer warm. Ice packs or cold compresses also can provide some temporary relief for aching joints.