Gout is a form of arthritis that is often characterized by the excruciating pain it causes to its sufferers. Gout occurs when the uric acid level in one’s body crosses the saturation level and uric acid crystals start to form.

These sharp crystals then start accumulating in a particular joint which are called tophi, mostly attack the big toe but other joints might get affected too. The accumulation of the uric acid crystals triggers a response from our immune system which cause it to attack the crystal deposits and that’s when the first flare of gout starts to appear.

Gout usually occurs at only one joint at a time and the affected joint swells, becomes pink or red  and may look infected. The joint will become extremely sensitive and painful.

If neglected or not properly diagnosed the joint gets more swollen and forces the skin to break open and white chalk-like crystals ooze out of the opening causing more discomfort and pain. This is definitely not a pretty picture and the mere thought will make one grimace.

Gout is prevalent in men, but that doesn’t mean that women are spared. Post-menopausal women are prone to gout attacks too.

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Although gout is caused because the kidneys fail to excrete the uric acid in our system and maintain the proper saturation level (around 6mg/dL), gout can also be the result of other factors.

Acute dehydration, certain medications, trauma, genetic disorders, purine rich diet, excessive sugary drink consumption and/or excessive alcohol consumption, etc. are all possible causes of gout.

So, it’s quite evident that gout needs special care and professional treatment. Medical professionals actually treat gout in two ways.

Firstly, the uric acid crystal deposits or tophi are treated so the patient gets relief from the extreme pain. The deposits are usually eliminated using NSAIDs or Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs which are quite effective and most of the time no traces of tophi are left behind.

In some cases, various steroid based injections are also used to mop up the crystal deposits in the joints. Other commonly used medication such as prednisone and colchicine are also used together to curb an acute attack of gout.

Once the acute gout attack has been mitigated, the factors causing uric acid imbalance in the system are dealt with. ULT or Urate Lowering Therapy is used to lower the uric acid level in the system so it is on par with the saturation level – which ensures that crystals will not form.

Medicines such as allopurinol and uloric are used for this purpose. One other cause of having high uric acid levels in the blood and cells is because of purine rich diets.
So, what do you eat when you know you have a high uric acid level in your body and you’re prone to getting gout?

Simple. Just avoid anything containing a high amount of protein in it. Since protein is the building block of our bodies, in order to keep our bodies running smoothly we do need protein.

It’ll be best to consume a limited amount of vegetables and legumes to get the needed proteins. Animal protein sources such as red meat, egg, and seafood, etc. should be avoided at all cost.

Also consume water regularly and avoid getting dehydrated. Being properly hydrated reduces the chance of having an imbalance in uric acid levels.
These are some of the ways gout is treated and how you can take some action to help prevent the problem or at the very least, not exacerbate it. Pay attention to your body and if the joints hurt, get medical attention quick. It’s always easier and less painful to treat gout in the early stages. Prevention is better than cure.