Dr. Lam Labs, LLC

Are You At Risk Of Getting Gout?

Gout causes red swollen joints, particularly on the big toe. Other joints that can be affected are the heels, knees, ankles, elbows, wrists, and fingers. It may be due to an abnormality in the ability of the body to breakdown purine products from the food we eat.

Below are factors that can help you know if you are at risk of getting gout.

If you are a male, then you are at greater risk of having gout. It is estimated that gout is nine times more common in men than in women.

If you have family history of gout, this would also increase your risk. The condition is more common in a person who has a family member with gout.

Age is also a risk factor. The more advanced your age is, the more likely you will develop gout. Women generally develop the signs and symptoms after menopause. In men, this can attack after puberty and has a peak age at 75.

The food that you eat would also affect your likelihood of having gout. High purine vegetables such as beans, peas, cauliflower, spinach, and mushrooms should be limited in the diet. People who ate more meat were found to have a greater incidence of developing gout. It is recommended to avoid too much consumption of red meat and organ meats such as liver.

Your lifestyle may also have an effect on your risk. Gout has long been associated with overindulgence in alcohol. One of the easiest ways to manage gout symptoms is by taking adequate amounts of fluids, around 2 to 4 liters per day. Water is still the best liquid to take.

Other risk factors are obesity, excessive weight gain, high blood pressure, and abnormal kidney function. Some conditions can also precipitate acute attacks such as joint injury, fever, recent surgery, excessive eating, and dehydration.

Changes in the diet, lifestyle, and taking adequate amounts of water can improve gout symptoms. A gout supplement with cherry extract can help provide a natural way to treat gout.