Gout management programs should begin with knowledge about the disease. Diet modification is also an essential element in controlling the condition. This many mean abstaining from a number of favored items, such as seafood and alcohol. A person may also find it beneficial to regularly take vitamin C supplements.
People who suffer from gout should be aware of what is happening to their bodies. It can be very difficult to manage a disease without being knowledgeable about the condition. People who have gout should not only educate themselves, they should also pay close attention to their personal experiences. It may even be advisable to keep a log that can be shared with health care providers.
To help prevent flareups, uric acid levels need to be regulated. Uric acid is a waste product created from purine. Foods that are high in purine and protein should be avoided. This includes a wide range of items including red meat, processed meat, and seafood. Even certain vegetables, such as cauliflower and asparagus, should be avoided. High fructose corn syrup is believed to make the condition worse and should not be consumed.
Maintaining a regular eating schedule should be part of a good gout management program. The reason for this is that uric acid levels often rise when people go long periods without eating. The rise in these levels is believed to be caused by ketosis. This is a process where the body attempts to preserve protein and begins to use fat as fuel instead.
Drinking a lot of fluids is also an essential part of gout management. A connection has been identified between gout and kidney stones, but consuming fluids is believed to help prevent them from developing. Furthermore, liquids can help to flush uric acid out of a person's system. The fluids that a gout sufferer drinks, however, should not be alcoholic. Gout management efforts should include the elimination of alcohol, which has been found to help retain uric acid in the body.
Many people are under the assumption that taking aspirin for gout helps to manage flareups. Some evidence suggests the opposite, citing aspirin as a cause of flareups. Gout management is likely to include the use of medication, such as corticosteroids. Also, vitamin C is believed to be a good gout management supplement. Evidence suggests that vitamin C helps the body get rid of uric acid.
