Learning How To Live With Gout
Two-to-five million Americans have the painful condition gout. Interestingly, ninety percent are men age forty and older. Experts think gout is becoming more common in western countries due to a diet high in processed foods. Gout is a form of arthritis associated with high levels of uric acid. High uric acid levels result in a condition where the acid makes crystals in the joints. Hence, formation of the crystals triggers an inflammatory response in the body. Normally, uric acid dissolves in blood and leaves the body through the kidneys. High uric acid levels are also linked to:
diabetes
high cholesterol
high blood pressure
kidney disease
heart disease
Gout attacks happen quickly and often at night. The main gout symptoms are joint pain, inflammation and a limited range of motion. Experts say genetics plays a role in determining who gets gout. Individuals are much more likely to have the condition if one or both of their parents had it. Physicians recommend anti-inflammatory medicines for gout treatment. Additionally, gout treatment includes drugs that block uric acid production. The most common examples of these medicines are aloprim, lopurin and zyloprim. Patients must also change their diet and limit high-purine foods like organ meats, mushrooms and asparagus. People who want to learn more should visit treating gout.
Research indicates a link between gout and consumption of high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS). A recent study shows that men who drank two or more sugary soft drinks a day have a 85-percent greater risk of having gout. Patients should drink lots of water instead of soda because it helps remove uric acid from the body. Unfortunately, it is difficult to limit fructose because it is hidden in many foods. Researchers say HFCS is labeled incorrectly to mislead the public. Common catch-phrases for HFCS include, tapioca syrup, glucose syrup, corn syrup and fruit fructose. Amazingly, processed meats and other foods contain HFCS.
Being overweight is another risk factor for gout. Not surprisingly, half of all gout patients are overweight. Extra weight makes the condition worse because nerve endings are irritated further by supporting the body. Further, gout is associated with the overuse of alcohol. For example, wine raises insulin levels which triggers gout attacks. Additionally, alcohol may raise the levels of uric acid in the blood. Research is ongoing into a number of new therapies for gout including biologic medicines. Furthermore, it is believed that certain foods lower the incidences of gout. One study shows that eating a diet rich in low-fat dairy products cuts a man's risk of having gout in half. Apparently, changing the way one eats and losing weight are most helpful for stopping gout attacks.
