Gout... What should I do?

Gout... What should I do?

Gout is a type of inflammatory arthritis that many people are familiar with, but did you know it can occur at any age and in any gender?

If you often experience pain, swelling, redness, or a burning sensation in your toe joint, and it wakes you up at night, be cautious... it might be an unnoticed case of gout.

What causes it?

The main factor of gout is the accumulation of uric acid in the blood.
Uric acid is produced from the breakdown of purines, which are found in these foods:

• Poultry, organ meats, red meat
• Vegetables with shoots, such as winged beans and chayote
• Seafood like sardines, mussels, and clams
• Alcoholic beverages, especially beer
• Sugary drinks and foods high in sugar

Normally, the body excretes uric acid through urine. However, if the excretion system malfunctions or is less efficient, uric acid builds up in the body and accumulates in the joints, leading to pain, swelling, redness, and discomfort.

Standard uric acid levels in the blood:

Men: Should not exceed 8 mg/dL
Women: Should not exceed 6 mg/dL
Gout can also be hereditary.

How to care for and treat it

Medication:

Divided into two main groups:

Anti-inflammatory drugs for pain relief
Uric acid-lowering medications to prevent complications
Lifestyle and behavioral adjustments:

Drink plenty of water to help flush out uric acid
Avoid alcohol and sugary drinks
Refrain from high-purine foods like organ meats, poultry, shoot vegetables, red meats, and seafood
Get enough rest and reduce stress
Pay attention to your diet stay away from gout attacks
Love yourself! Start by making healthy eating choices.