How to Beat Gout
Gout is a type of arthritis that causes sharp, sudden pains in your joints along with inflammation and swelling. According to the Mayo Clinic, gout occurs due to your body producing too much or too little uric acid, which results in urate crystals forming around your joints. Relieving and preventing gout requires reducing your consumption of animal protein, limiting alcohol intake and drinking plenty of fluids. You can also take over-the-counter pain medication to reduce inflammation in your joints. Contact your physician immediately if pain increases after attempting at-home treatment.
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Instructions
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Reduce animal protein. Although fish, chicken and red meat are high in protein they also increase the amount of uric acid in your blood. Limit your daily intake of lean meat to five to six ounces.
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Take pain medication. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are found at most drug stores and can be used to reduce pain and inflammation. Use only as necessary, as NSAIDs can cause liver and kidney damage if used for longer than directed.
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Drink plenty of fluids. Water is your best defense against urate crystals from forming in your blood. Water helps dilute uric acid in your blood and urine, according to the Mayo Clinic. Drink eight ounces of water with every meal.
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Limit alcohol consumption. If your body doesn't produce enough uric acid, you can also experience sharp pains. Alcohol reduces the production of uric acid, and should be reduced or eliminated until symptoms subside.
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Reduce consumption of certain vegetables. Asparagus and mushrooms are high in purine, which creates uric acid when broken down during digestion. Other foods to limit include spinach, cauliflower, oatmeal and green peas, according to Victor Konshin, author of "Beating Gout."
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Visit your doctor. Steroids can be prescribed to reduce inflammation in your body, which manages the amount of uric acid in your blood. Steroids can be administered as a pill or injected in the joint, according to the Mayo Clinic.
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