Gout Attack.. what is this?

Gout is one of the most common forms of arthritis (joint inflammation). It appears as an acute attack often coming on overnight. Within 12-24 hours there is severe pain and swelling in the affected joint. The skin over the joint may be red and shiny.

What causes Gout?

Rased blood uric acid. Uric acid is a chemical which is a natural part of the normal breaking down and building up of food and body tissues.

Treatment of Gout

The first step wherever possible must be to correct those factors mentioned above which give rise to high uric acid levels. Purines are substances found in food, which, when broken down produce a lot of uric acid.

Therefore the following foods which are high in Purines should be restricted or avoided:

Offal foods such as liver, kidneys, tripe, sweetbreads and tongue.
Excessive amounts of red meat.
Shellfish, fish roe and scallops.
Peas. lentils and beans.
Alcohol intake should be reduced. Two glasses of beer a day or less is sensible. On special occasions you can drink more.
Weight loss may be very important.
Medication for high blood pressure may need to be altered.

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