Gout is a form of painful, inflammatory arthritis that impacts millions of people around the world. It is a condition that occurs when uric acid crystals build up in the joints, causing inflammation, pain, and swelling. Fortunately, gout can be managed with medicines and lifestyle changes, however, certain triggers can worsen the condition and increase the risk of gout flares or “gout attacks.” Learning which triggers to avoid is a great way for people with gout to be able to self manage his or her condition. In this article, we will explore five common triggers of gout and how to avoid them to reduce the risk of gout attacks.
- High Purine Foods
Purines are substances found in many foods, particularly meat, seafood, and some vegetables. When purines are broken down in the body, they produce uric acid. Therefore, eating foods high in purines can increase uric acid levels in the body, leading to gout attacks. It is recommended for people with gout to limit their intake of high-purine foods such as organ meats, shellfish, and red meat.
- Alcohol
There is a strong association between alcohol consumption and gout attacks. This is because alcohol can increase the amount of uric acid the body makes and decrease its removal, leading to higher uric acid levels. Additionally, alcohol can dehydrate the body which makes it more difficult for the kidneys to remove uric acid. Avoiding or limiting alcohol consumption from beer, wine, and hard liquors can help reduce the risk of triggering a gout attack.
- Dehydration
Dehydration occurs when the body does not have enough water. When this happens, the body produces less urine, and uric acid can build up in the kidneys and joints. To prevent dehydration, it is crucial to drink plenty of water throughout the day and stay away from sugary or caffeinated drinks that can dehydrate the body.
- Medicines
Certain medicines, such as diuretics or “water pills,” can worsen gout by increasing uric acid levels in the body as an unintended side effect. Examples of diuretics include hydrochlorothiazide and furosemide which are used to treat high blood pressure or water retention. Notify your rheumatologist of any medicines you are taking to identify if they can be possible gout triggers.
- High-fructose corn syrup
High-fructose corn syrup (HFCS) is a sweetener commonly found in processed foods like candy and sugary beverages such as soda or certain juices. Studies have shown that consuming high levels of HFCS can increase uric acid levels in the body and raise the risk of gout. To lower the risk of gout attacks, it is essential for people with gout to limit their consumption of HFCS and choose whole foods instead of processed ones.
Certain factors can exacerbate gout and increase the risk of gout attacks. Thankfully, this can be prevented by limiting the intake of high-purine foods, avoiding or limiting alcohol consumption, staying hydrated, maintaining a healthy weight, and talking to your rheumatologist about any medicines you are taking.