Top Gout Triggers and How to Manage the Symptoms

Gout, an inflammatory form of arthritis, is linked to high levels of uric acid and causes painful, swollen, or stiff joints.

Gout comes and goes, with most attacks lasting anywhere between 2 and 10 days. In some instances, people can go months or years without an attack, but after a certain age, they can become more frequent.

And while gout is not an easy condition to live with, it can be managed once it’s diagnosed and you understand the main triggers, many of which are linked to food.

Let’s get into those first.

Understanding the Main Gout Triggers

There are a few reasons why gout may appear, all of which are related to the body producing too much uric acid.

• Age and family history. Men who are middle-aged and women who are postmenopausal are more likely to develop gout. Having parents or other family members with the conditions also increases your chances of developing it.
• Kidney or thyroid conditions. Underlying conditions related to the kidneys or thyroid can make it difficult for your body to process and remove uric acid, causing gout to crop up. People with diabetes or high blood pressure are also more prone to it.
• Medications. Certain medications have been linked to an increased likelihood of gout, with diuretics and cyclosporine being two of the main culprits. And while it’s not always possible to find alternative chronic medication, there are other lifestyle changes you can make to lessen the chances of a gout attack.
• Alcohol. This is one of the most well-known triggers of gout and while there’s no need to cut it out completely, if you’re struggling with gout symptoms, reducing how much alcohol you drink can help. Beer is the one type of alcohol that’s most likely to trigger an attack.
• Foods that are high in purines. People with gout are unable to expel excess uric acid, which is why it’s important to avoid certain foods that are high in purine. Red and organ meats as well as certain types of seafood such as salmon, codfish, tuna, and trout should be avoided as often as possible. Anything that is high in sugar fructose should also be consumed in moderation.

The Easiest Ways to Manage Gout Symptoms

Now that you know what the main triggers are, let’s look at how you can better manage the symptoms associated with gout.

• Change up your eating plan. Unfortunately, to manage the symptoms of gout and avoid attacks, it’s best to change your eating plan. Consuming more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains is highly recommended – anything that is high in antioxidants really. Staying hydrated is also essential.
• Limit your alcohol intake. It’s essential to manage what alcohol you drink and how often if you want to keep gout symptoms at bay. As mentioned, beer is the biggest problem for goutsufferers, so you may need to find a new favorite beverage if this is your drink of choice.
• Manage pain with a cream. Using a cream such as Goutcare from Vita Sciences is one way that you can ease the pain associated with gout. Goutcare is safe, powerful, and penetrates deeply, providing fast and effective relief.
• Adopt a new vitamin routine. Increasing your intake of certain vitamins is another way that you can fight gout symptoms. Increased doses of vitamin A, C, E, and B can be a big help. Omega-3 fatty acids are also great for reducing inflammation.
• Manage your weight. Because gout affects your joints, maintaining a healthy weight can minimize any additional pressure on them. Losing weight isn’t always an easy task, but if you want to avoid painful gout attacks, it can make a powerful difference.
• Keep stress to a minimum. While stress is not one of the most common gout triggers, it can be if you aren’t taking other steps to manage symptoms. Decreasing stress levels can help you avoid an attack or at least help make an attack less severe.

Even though these management tips will make a difference, they might not help you prevent gout attacks indefinitely. For this reason, it helps to speak to your doctor about anti-inflammatory and pain medications that can help you cope during an attack.