Effective gout prevention measures

Gout is a type of arthritis that occurs due to levels uric acid (uric acid) which is high in the body. In common people, this condition is also known as gout. Therefore, uric acid levels need to be kept in the normal range as a form of gout prevention. So, how can you prevent gout?

Various ways to prevent gout that you can do

To prevent gout, normal uric acid levels need to be maintained, at least below 6.0 mg / dL in women and 7.0 mg / dL in men. If you exceed this number, excess uric acid in the body can accumulate and then crystallize in the joints, causing various symptoms of gout.

However, not everyone has uric acid levels high will feel the symptoms. However, this group of people needs to maintain levels uric acid to prevent symptoms or future gout attacks. In addition, prevention of gout also needs to be done for those of you who are at high risk of this disease, such as family history, obesity, or entering middle age.

Here are some ways that you can do to prevent gout and its recurrence of symptoms:

1. Limit foods high in purines

High purine intake is one of the causes of gout. Therefore, you need to maintain a diet and limit foods high in purines to prevent gout from occurring.

Some foods that cause uric acid are high in purines, including organ meats, seafood (seafood), red meat, alcoholic beverages, sweetened foods or drinks, and other types of food. Eating these foods can raise your uric acid levels, so they can develop symptoms at a time.

On the other hand, stick to a healthy and balanced diet by choosing low-purine foods that can prevent gout, namely fruits, low-purine vegetables, and whole grain foods (brown or brown rice, whole wheat bread, or whole wheat cereals).. Also choose foods that are high in protein, but low in fat, such as lentils, low-fat milk, or poultry.

2. Routine exercise as a measure to prevent gout

Routine exercise can maintain your joints and overall health and maintain an ideal body weight as a preventive measure against various diseases, including gout.

To reduce the risk of gout, you can do regular and regular exercise for 30 minutes five days a week. You can do light to moderate intensity exercise, such as walking, swimming, or cycling.

3. Avoid obesity and maintain ideal body weight

Obesity is a risk factor for gout. Therefore, you need to maintain an ideal and healthy body weight to avoid obesity as a way to prevent gout. When you are overweight, you should try to lose weight until you reach your ideal figure.

Reporting from the Mayo Clinic, research shows that reducing the number of calories and losing weight, even without limiting foods containing purines, can reduce uric acid levels and reduce the number of gout attacks. Losing weight also reduces pressure on your joints, so it also plays a role in keeping your joints healthy.

To achieve this goal, you need to limit high-calorie foods and do physical activity or exercise regularly and regularly for at least 30 minutes every day. If necessary, consult your doctor about how to lose weight properly.

4. Drink enough water every day

Fluids can help dilute and flush uric acid in your body. On the other hand, dehydration can actually increase the risk of gout attacks.

Therefore, you need to meet the needs of sufficient water for your body. At least, drink eight glasses of water per day as a form of gout prevention. Also stay away from sugary drinks, such as soda or fruit juice, because they can trigger symptoms.

5. Avoid injury for the prevention of gout

Trauma or injury to the joints can increase the risk of gout attack, especially for those who already have high uric acid. Therefore, you should avoid trauma or injury as a form of gout prevention. To prevent injury or trauma to your foot, you can wear shoes that fit your foot properly.

6. Do not take any drugs

Even though you have taken precautionary steps, attacks or symptoms of gout are still possible. If this happens to you, you should immediately take gout medication to help relieve pain and control symptoms so as to prevent the next gout attack.

However, although some drugs can be purchased over the counter at pharmacies, you should not take any drugs. The reason is, some drugs can actually increase uric acid levels, such as the pain reliever aspirin. In order to avoid this, you should consult your doctor before taking any medicine.

7. Arm yourself with steps to overcome the symptoms of gout

In addition to taking medication, you can also take simple steps to help deal with gout symptoms if one day they occur. Knowing this method can help you prevent the next gout attack and avoid the complications of gout that might occur.

• Apply cold or ice for 20-30 minutes to the joints to reduce pain and swelling.
• Lift the affected area and place a support underneath to help reduce swelling.
• Take breaks and try to relax to avoid stress.

Don't forget to always check uric acid regularly to help control levels uric acid You and avoid the disease.