Gout Causes

Gout is no longer just the “disease of kings”. This painful condition affects more and more people every year and there are a reported two million people suffering from gout in the US alone. The reason for this is often blamed on the fast food culture of modern life, that and overindulgence in rich foods and alcohol.

The fact of the matter is that although gout is becoming a rather common condition, once one knows gout causes it is actually fairly easy to treat and overcome.

What are the main gout causes?

An excess of red meat and alcohol are the main causes of gout but that is not to say that they are the only cause of gout and cannot be enjoyed in moderation. Often people who develop gout have a history of gout in the family. Previous joint injury, surgery and chemotherapy are also known gout causes.

The element in foods that causes gout is purine and it is often thought that gout sufferers should avoid purine rich food altogether, however recent research shows that this may not be necessary. The foods that are gout causes are now recognized as alcohol, fatty red meat and some seafood’s.

It has long been known that alcohol is one of the main gout causes as it has the effect of raising the levels of uric acid in the body which in turn increases the chance of a gout attack. Alcohol also makes it harder for the body to purge the uric acid from its system.

How to reduce the chance of developing gout

I’m sure you will have heard this before, but the best way to prevent gout and other dietary related conditions is to eat a healthy diet. If you get any symptoms of an initial gout attack then you need to immediately have a change of lifestyle as the attacks will only get more severe unless you remove the causes of gout from your diet.

It is also important to eliminate or seriously cut down on your intake of any alcohol, particularly beer and start drinking at least ten 8-ounce glasses of water a day. Water has the great effect of flushing uric acid out of the body.

You also need to seriously cut back on beef but particularly organ meats such as kidneys, sweetbreads etc. It is also necessary to cut back on seafood as these foods are the main causes of gout.

Safe meats

Chicken and low fat dairy products are a great way to get more protein as research shows that people who eat these types of high protein foods have much less gout flare ups. Be sure to drink lots of water and you will seriously reduce your risk of any more gout attacks.

Gout Cures – Tip #1

One of the best ways to prevent gout, and other dietary related condition, is to eat a healthy diet. If you get any early symptoms of an initial gout attack you should immediately consider having a change of lifestyle, because the attacks will only get more frequent and more severe until you remove the causes of gout from your diet.

Gout Cures – Tip #2

In addition to using proper medication, and some natural remedies, you can also help reduce the incidence of gout attacks through a couple of good habits. High-risk individuals are usually advised to maintain their proper weight to avoid gout. This is a gout treatment that relies much on your ability to discipline yourself.

Gout Cures – Tip #3

Along with offering valuable information, online support groups also provide gout sufferers with emotional assistance. Some patients who suffer from the pain of gout may benefit from the inspiring stories of people who are successfully living and dealing with gout.