Gout is one of the most common health conditions that affect older adults. It occurs due to the accumulation of uric acid crystals in the joints. Gout symptoms include joint pain, inflammation, swelling, redness, etc.
In this article, we will take a look at some of the gout triggers that you should avoid completely to make your gout treatment a success.
Being Obese
Obesity increases your chances of developing gout fourfold. Obesity, diabetes, and high cholesterol are three disorders that are frequently encountered together and are called metabolic syndrome when they occur in the same patient. Uric acid levels in the blood are typically increased in patients with certain disorders. Weight loss may help lower the levels of uric acid and hence the risk of gout, but the amount of weight loss must be sufficient.
Eating High-Purine Foods
Gout attacks can be triggered by purine-rich foods. When you eat foods that are rich in purine, your body converts the compound into uric acid and this will increase the levels of uric acid in your body and thus the risk of developing gout. Therefore, you should limit or completely avoid the consumption of foods rich in purine, which include seafood, soft drinks, organ meats, etc.
Alcohol Consumption
Any sort of alcohol can produce a gout attack because it reduces the ability of the kidney to filter uric acid This results in the build-up of uric acid in your blood. Alcoholic beverages with a high purine content, such as beer, can raise uric acid levels, which is another gout risk factor. The higher the amount of alcohol drank, the greater the risk of a gout attack, so persons who are prone to gout should limit alcohol consumption.
Weather
Sweating causes increased fluid loss from the body, which can lead to dehydration, making hot weather a gout risk factor. It’s less clear whether chilly weather causes gout. Because the temperature in the big toe is lower than in other parts of the body, this could be one of the reasons why it is the most prevalent site for gout.
Shoes That Are Poorly Fitting
Wearing the wrong shoes might also lead to gout. In people who are prone to gout, any form of damage or trauma to an area might trigger a flare-up. Shoes that rub your toes can cause an attack, so make sure the toe area of your shoes is broad enough to suit your feet without pinching or rubbing.
