How to treat, manage and prevent Gout with lifestyle adjustments – part 2
Making important lifestyle changes can help you to treat, manage and prevent Gout, here’s what you can do,
4 Things you can do about hyperuricemia (high uric acid):
- Tell your doctor, as well as all healthcare providers, about any other medications you are taking (including over-the-counter, vitamins, or herbal remedies).
- Always remind your doctor or healthcare provider if you have a history of diabetes, liver, kidney, and / or heart disease.
- It is very important to follow your healthcare provider’s instructions regarding lowering your blood uric acid level and treating your hyperuricemia. If your uric acid blood levels are very high, they may prescribe medications to lower the uric acid levels to a safe range.
- If you have an elevated blood uric acid level, you may be at risk for gout and / or kidney stones. It is advisable to follow a low purine diet.
Foods high in purine:
Organ meats (such as liver), meat extracts and gravy, yeasts, and yeast extracts (such as beer, and alcoholic beverages), asparagus, spinach, beans, peas, lentils, oatmeal, cauliflower and mushrooms.
Foods low in purine include:
- Refined cereals – breads, pasta, flour, tapioca, cakes
- Milk and milk products, eggs
- Lettuce, tomatoes and green vegetables
- Cream soups without meat stock
- Water, fruit juice and carbonated drinks
- Peanut butter, fruits and nuts
Lifestyle adjustments include:
- Keep well hydrated, drinking 2 to 3 liters of water per day.
- Take all of your medications for hyperuricemia as directed by your healthcare professional.
- Avoid caffeine and alcohol, as these can contribute to problems with uric acid.
- Avoid medications, such as thiazide diuretics (hydrochlortiazide), and loop diuretics (such as furosemide or Lasix®). Niacin, and low doses of aspirin (less than 3 grams per day) can aggravate uric acid levels. Do not take these medications, or aspirin unless advised by healthcare professional.
- If you experience symptoms or side effects, mentione it to your healthcare professional for a solution.
Remember gout can be managed, treated, or prevented with lifestyle adjustments. Do you suspect that you might have gout? Consult with your health care practitioner for a proper diagnosis and solution.
