Lifestyle Tips to Manage Gout
Gout is a condition that can be uncomfortable and painful. It occurs due to the accumulation of uric acid in the blood. If you are looking for the fastest way to flush out gout, then we have listed a few options below for you to try.
1. Diet
Modifying your diet to eliminate foods and beverages that result in an accumulation of uric acid in the body is the fastest way to flush out gout and prevent gout attacks. Hence, reducing your intake of organ meats such as liver and red meat, limiting your consumption of sugar or sweetened drinks, and restricting your alcohol consumption can help relieve gout. Skimmed milk and cherries can help to reduce uric acid levels and the occurrence of gout attacks. Also, increasing the amount of fiber you consume can help to eliminate uric acid from the body. Include plenty of fresh or frozen fruits and vegetables and oats and nuts in your diet.
2. Weight management
Being overweight or obese can increase the amount of uric acid in the body, which can result in or trigger gout pain. It also affects the functioning of the kidneys, which causes uric acid to build up. Fat cells also tend to produce more uric acid than muscle cells. Therefore, managing your weight is key to avoiding gout pain. You can seek the help of a dietician or your doctor to work out a diet plan that provides you with the nutrients that you need and helps you shed a few pounds.
3. Drink plenty of water
The easiest and fastest way to flush out gout is to ensure that you drink plenty of water, as this helps the kidneys get rid of uric acid. Carrying a water bottle with you or setting the alarm to remind you to drink water can help you stay adequately hydrated.
4. Develop healthy habits
Insufficient exercise, poor sleeping habits, and stress can cause inflammation in the body and can increase uric acid levels. Therefore, if you are looking for the fastest way to flush out gout, ensure that you develop healthy habits such as following a sleep schedule, practicing breathing exercises to manage stress, and increasing your physical activity.
5. Check your medications
Some medicines such as diuretics, chemotherapy drugs, aspirin, vitamin B3 or niacin, and immune-suppressing drugs can cause uric acid build-up in the body. Therefore, if you are on any of these medications or suffer from frequent gout attacks, you can consult your doctor about alternatives.
When you are looking for an effective and fastest way to flush out gout and get relief from the pain and other symptoms, give these a try.