Gout is a form of arthritis that occurs due to an increased concentration of uric acid in the blood, which can lead to the formation of so-called crystals in the joints.
The deposition of these crystals causes inflammation accompanied by severe pain and swelling in the joint affected by gout.
The first symptom of gout is usually pain in the big toe, but it can also affect other joints, including the knees (gout in the knees), ankles, as well as hand joints.
Gout symptoms are characterized by a sudden onset with a feeling of intense pain, swelling, redness, and a sensation of warmth in the affected joint.
The frequency of gout is on the rise, and it is believed to be due to an increasing number of people being insufficiently physically active and not practicing proper nutrition.
Gout symptoms occur suddenly, often with intense pain in the big toe. However, gout can affect other joints, such as the knees, ankles, or hand joints (gout in the fingers).
In addition to intense pain, swelling, redness, and a sensation of warmth occur.
In some cases, people with gout may experience only one attack, while others face extremely unpleasant episodes that recur.
Intense pain caused by gout can lead to limited mobility and difficulty walking. The mentioned symptoms can last for several days or even weeks.
Diet and forbidden foods in gout
Gout in the foot can affect anyone regardless of age, but this condition is somewhat more common in men than in women.
In addition, gout rarely occurs before the age of 25. There is no specific diet for gout, but proper nutrition in gout and avoiding certain foods is crucial to treat gout as soon as possible and prevent recurrence.
It is proven that a diet rich in purines (red meat, seafood, and certain vegetables) increases the risk of gout.
People who have had gout are advised to completely avoid alcohol or at least reduce the intake, especially beer and spirits.
Research has shown that coffee consumption reduces the risk of developing gout and prevents its frequent occurrence, primarily because caffeine reduces the level of uric acid in the body.
In addition, coffee has anti-inflammatory properties, which calm inflammatory processes in the body.
Fruits such as cherries and grapes are also recommended for people suffering from gout, as their intake is considered to positively affect the regulation of uric acid levels.
Vegetables such as green beans are particularly beneficial for people with gout due to their low purine content.
On the other hand, certain foods have a high concentration of purines and should be avoided, such as:
- Beets
- Spinach
- Cauliflower
- Asparagus
- Peas
Turmeric, often used as an ingredient in traditional medicine, contains curcumin, which has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, so it can be used as a spice during meal preparation.
What are the risk factors for gout?
Although gout is more common in men, the risk of developing gout and elevated uric acid levels in women increases after entering menopause.
Excess body weight is a risk factor, as well as high blood pressure, diabetes, and insulin resistance.
Genetics also play a significant role, meaning that if someone in the family has had gout, there is a higher likelihood that other family members will develop this disease at some point in their lives.
Therefore, risk factors for developing gout include:
- Intake of foods rich in purines
- Genetics
- Obesity
- Diabetes and high blood pressure
- Entry into menopause
- Insufficient physical activity
Untreated gout can cause various complications such as joint damage, kidney damage, and a condition called tophi.
Tophi are deposits of uric acid crystals that can form under the skin and around the joints, and they are dangerous because they can lead to joint deformities and damage to surrounding tissue.
In addition to the condition called tophi, recurrent gout attacks can also lead to joint and cartilage damage.
Uric acid crystals deposit in the joints, causing inflammation that can eventually lead to permanent damage or gouty arthritis, characterized by chronic inflammation and pain in the joints.
Gout is often accompanied by additional complications related to the kidneys because the increased concentration of uric acid leads to the formation of kidney stones.
In addition, the increased concentration of uric acid gradually affects the weakening of kidney function and their deterioration.
Is gout curable, and how to cure gout?
Gout of the joints can be successfully treated with prescribed therapy and a change in diet.
However, medicine does not guarantee that gout will not recur at some point, despite good therapy being applied.
Nevertheless, timely treatment is an excellent prevention that reduces the likelihood of recurring attacks and complications. Treatment is primarily based on:
- Changes in diet
- Use of medications to control uric acid levels
- Use of anti-inflammatory drugs that alleviate pain and inflammation
Timely treatment rapidly reduces pain and represents the best prevention against recurring attacks.
A doctor may prescribe medications to control pain and inflammation during gout attacks, as well as medications to reduce uric acid levels.
Proper nutrition is the best prevention for gout. As mentioned earlier, a diet rich in purines can increase the concentration and level of uric acid.
Therefore, it is extremely important for people suffering from gout to adjust their diet and limit the intake of purine-rich foods to a minimum to stabilize uric acid.
People predisposed to gout should consume moderate amounts of foods such as red meat, seafood, and alcohol to avoid the possible onset of this unpleasant health problem.
Adequate water intake and good hydration of the body help eliminate excess uric acid from the body.
With proper nutrition and therapy prescribed by a doctor, the symptoms of this extremely unpleasant and painful condition can be brought under control, as well as its recurrence.
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