EVERY DAY WITHMY GOUTIS A DAY WITHOUTOUR WALK
Gout is a common, painful form of arthritis caused by uric acid building up in the blood. It can be a lifelong disease that may get worse over time, potentially affecting not just your joints, but your entire body.
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What Is Uric Acid?
Uric acid is a waste product that typically dissolves in your blood and exits the body through your urine. Uric acid is produced when your body breaks down purines, which are natural substances found in the body as well as in some foods that you may be eating. Because of this, purine-rich foods can increase the production of uric acid and therefore increase the risk of gout. Some foods that are high in purines include:
Meats and meat sauces
- Game meats (like turkey, venison, etc)
- Organ meats
- Red meats
- Gravies
Certain seafood
- Shellfish (mussels, shrimp, etc)
- Sardines and anchovies
- Herring, haddock, trout, codfish
Foods and drinks high in sugar
- Alcohol
- Drinks made with high fructose corn syrup
- Sweets
While cutting these foods out of your diet helps, it may not be enough to reach your target uric acid levels. Before you take any steps to help manage your gout, remember to consult with your doctor first.
Uric Acid and Gout
Gout happens when uric acid is produced faster than your body can get rid of it. It builds up in your blood stream, causing crystals to form and deposit in your joints and soft tissues, leading to what is known as a gout flare. Some symptoms of a gout flare include:
Unpredictable pain
Swelling
Inflammation
When gout gets to a more advanced stage, uric acid levels may remain high despite lifestyle and diet changes along with taking prescription gout medication. High uric acid levels that stay high are not always within your control, which is why this type of gout may sometimes be known as uncontrolled gout.
Download the “What to Know About Gout” Flashcard
This helpful resource will help you to know about uric acid, gout symptoms, and gout treatments.