Control Your Gout by Changing Your Lifestyle

Gout is a type of arthritis that causes pain and swelling of the joints. If you've ever had a gout attack, you know how excruciating they can be. Sometimes, an attack is so painful, there's nothing you can do but lay down and wait for it to pass, whether that's in a few hours or a few weeks.

Luckily, gout is a condition that can be controlled.

Being overweight can contribute to gout attacks.

Most gout sufferers are about fifteen to thirty percent over their ideal weight. People who carry excess weight often have higher levels of uric acid (the main cause of gout attacks) in their systems. And the more overweight they are, the more frequent and painful gout attacks tend to be.

Losing weight is the first step to decreasing the frequency and severity of gout attacks. Also, the less weight you carry, the less pressure you'll be putting on tender, inflamed joints.

Lose weight slowly.

Since being overweight can trigger, and contribute to the severity of, gout attacks, it would seem like losing weight as fast as possible would be a good idea. But losing weight too fast can actually raise uric acid levels, worsening gout attacks.

Fasting can also be bad for gout sufferers. Going without food for more than twenty four hours, or eating less than 1,000 calories a day, will make uric acid levels skyrocket.

It's best to lose weight gradually, with the help of exercise and a sensible diet.

Vitamins aren't always good for you.

It's not a bad idea to talk to your doctor about the vitamin supplements you've been taking. Taking too much of certain vitamins and nutrients, like vitamin A and niacin, can actually make gout worse.

Some prescription medications can make gout worse.

If you're being treated for another condition, like heart disease or high blood pressure, make sure your doctor knows you also suffer from gout. Otherwise, he might unknowingly give you a prescription that could make your condition worse.

Certain medications used to treat high blood pressure increase uric acid levels, which can trigger or worsen gout attacks. Consider ways of controlling your blood pressure naturally, like lowering your sodium intake and losing weight.

Even if you think a medication you are taking could be affecting your gout, don't just stop taking it without talking to your doctor first.

You are not helpless when it comes to gout. By making a few changes in your lifestyle, you can lessen the frequency and severity of gout attacks.