| With the increased information available on gout and its | | | | body or bring about sudden changes in the physical |
| cause, it has become easier to construct a plan that | | | | and chemical conditions of the body. This is because, |
| can be followed to avoid gout attacks. | | | | at low pH, uric acid is less soluble in the body fluid and |
| Do keep yourself warm | | | | chances of precipitation are higher. Thus possibility of |
| Protect your hands, wrists, elbows, knees, toes, ankles | | | | gout attacks is increased. Preexisting crystals get |
| and ears from exposure to cold drafts. Cold triggers | | | | coated over time by protein coatings that prevent the |
| precipitation of the uric acid crystals, the main cause of | | | | neutrophils from recognizing them and alleviating gout |
| gout. | | | | attacks. Lowered body pH triggers the shedding of the |
| Drink as much fluids as possible | | | | coatings of these preexisting crystals. This also leads |
| Fluids dilute the uric acid and help the kidneys to | | | | to gout attacks. Certain medical conditions like psoriasis, |
| excrete it. At least 10 to 12 8-ounce glasses of water | | | | hypothyroidism, hyperparathyroidism, hemolytic anemia, |
| should be consumed every day. | | | | lead poisoning can make the body acidic. Also, |
| Control the food that you eat | | | | excessive intake of carbonated drinks, alcohol, tea, |
| Avoid excessive intake of food items that have high | | | | coffee, protein, aspirin, Vitamin C, Niacin, Thiazides and |
| purine content, because purine is metabolized in the | | | | loop diuretics, cyclosporine and foods and drinks that |
| system to produce uric acid. More the production of | | | | have a high chlorine, sulfur or phosphorus content |
| uric acid, the higher is the chance of gout attacks. | | | | lower the body pH. Proteins and carbohydrates are |
| Organ meat, sausages, dark fillet fishes like sardines, | | | | acid forming food items. |
| herring, fish roes, and red and dark meat are foods rich | | | | Avoid injuries and trauma |
| in purine. You may also consider consulting a dietician | | | | Injuries to the joints, sudden severe ailments, |
| to guide you in the formulation of a proper food chart | | | | hemorrhage, emotional distress, anxiety, starvation, |
| that will help you avert gout attacks. | | | | fasting, fatigue, infections, weigh gain, rapid weight loss |
| Do not let your body pH diminish | | | | - all are factors that hasten gout attacks. |
| Avoid intake of substances that lower the pH of your | | | | |