Ouch! ways to prevent a gout attack |

Gout, also known as the disease of kings and rich men, has been associated with lavish food and excessive alcohol consumption which, in the past, only the rich could afford. Today, gout is not just a rich man's disease but affects people from all walks of life. Men are more likely to suffer from gout, although women after menopause are equally susceptible.

So what is gout, what causes it and most importantly, how can a gout attack be prevented?

Gout is a "complex form of arthritis characterized by sudden, severe attacks of pain, redness and tenderness in joints, most often at the base of the big toe." Gout occurs when uric acid crystals accumulate around the joints causing inflammation and intense pain which is referred to as a gout attack. Risk factors include: lifestyle, family history, age and sex and certain medical conditions and medications. For a detailed description check out the Mayo Clinic's article on gout.

While there are potent drugs that help ease the pain and inflammation associated with a gout attack, by far the best strategy is to prevent an attack in the first place and that's where lifestyle changes come into play in the form of diet, exercise and relaxation.

Since the ingestion of foods high in purines can raise uric acid levels in the blood leading to gout attacks, certain foods are best avoided by people predisposed to gout.

For more information, check out one these books from your TPL branch: