How to prevent gout

Gout is a type of arthritis that develops when blood uric acid levels are abnormally high. 
The uric acid forms crystals in the joints, often in the feet and big toes, which causes severe and painful swelling. 
Some people need medication to treat gout, but diet and lifestyle changes may also help. 
Lowering uric acid can reduce the risk of gout and may even prevent subsequent flares in people with this condition.
However, gout risk depends on several factors, not just lifestyle, so it is important to talk to a doctor about the best gout prevention strategies.

Eat More Low Purine Foods​
By switching from foods with a high purine content to those with a lower purine content, some people may be able to steadily lower their uric acid levels or at least avoid further increases.
Some low purine foods include; low fat dairy products, nuts, most vegetables and fruits, coffee and whole grains.

Limit Purine Rich Foods
Purines are compounds that occur naturally in some foods. 
As the body breaks down purines, it produces uric acid. 
The process of metabolizing purine-rich foods may lead to gout by causing the body to produce too much uric acid.
Certain foods are rich in purine and are best avoided to hep prevent gout. These foods include; beer and liquor, red meat, organ meat like liver, sea food like tuna, sardines, mussels, sugary foods and beverages.

Drink more water
Increasing water intake will help keep the kidneys healthy and help them flush out uric acid from the body. 
The recommended daily intake of fluids varies depending on an individual’s age, weight, sex, and other factors like medical conditions.

Lose excess weight or maintain a healthy weight​
Reaching a healthy body weight may help reduce the risk of gout flares. Obesity increases the risk of gout, especially in people of a younger age.
Rapid weight loss, especially when it occurs due to fasting, may raise uric acid levels. 
Therefore, people should focus on making long-term sustainable changes to manage their weight, such as becoming more active, eating a balanced diet, and choosing nutrient-dense foods.

Avoid excess added sugars​
Fructose is a “simple sugar” found in honey, fruit, some vegetables and sweeteners. Fructose increases purine metabolism, raising blood uric acid levels.
Uric acid levels tend to be higher in people who regularly consume sugar-sweetened drinks. 
Those drinking one to two sugar-sweetened soft drinks a day are almost twice as likely to have gout as those who drink only one a month.
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Eat cherries
Preliminary research suggests that cherries might reduce the risk of gout attacks, particularly in people with a prior history of the disease.
A study of 633 people with gout found that eating cherries for 2 days lowered the risk of a gout attack by 35% compared with eating no cherries.
This effect persisted even when researchers controlled for risk factors, such as age, sex, alcohol consumption, and use of diuretics or anti-gout medication.
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Drink coffee
Some research indicates that people who drink coffee are less likely to develop gout.
A 2010 study found that gout risk decreased as coffee consumption increased. 
Women who consumed 1 to 3 cups of coffee per day had a 22% reduction in their risk of gout compared with those who drank no coffee. 
Women who consumed more than 4 cups of coffee per day had a 57% decrease in their risk of getting this condition.
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Disclaimer: The advice provided is intended for informational purpose only and does not substitute for professional medical advice.  Consult with your doctor if you’re seeking medical advice, diagnoses, or treatment.​