Understanding the causes of gout may help prevent painful bouts.
Gout is a common form of arthritis that can affect any joint, most commonly the big toe. Gout usually occurs in asymptomatic and symptomatic periods. When symptoms occur, they are called outbursts or seizures. Gout attacks can occur with pain, swelling, redness and joint movement difficulties, usually lasting one to two weeks. There are many factors that trigger gout attacks: from food to drugs to dehydration.
A common cause of gout recurrence
Gout is caused by high levels of uric acid in the body. Uric acid is produced when the body breaks down purines, chemicals that occur naturally in the body and in some foods. Uric acid is usually broken down and excreted in the urine. If improperly excreted, excess uric acid can turn into needle-like crystals in the joints, leading to gout attacks.
There are several things that are known to cause gout attacks. Because these triggers are largely avoidable, it is important to understand them when trying to prevent or control gout pain. 2.
Certain meats and seafood
Many purine-rich foods raise uric acid levels in the body, which in turn increases the risk of gout attacks. Foods with high purine content include 3′ 4.
- Red Meat, such as beef, mutton and pork
- The flesh of an organ, such as the liver and kidneys
- Certain kinds of seafood
- Anchovies
- Sardines
- Mussels
- Scallops
- Trout
- Tuna
However, not all purine-rich foods raise uric acid levels or the risk of gout. Vegetables such as peas, legumes, lentils, asparagus, spinach and mushrooms are rich in purines, but moderate consumption does not appear to affect gout risk.
Alcohol
Drinking Beer, wine, and liquor is known to raise uric acid levels in the blood. The more alcohol you drink, the greater your risk of gout.
But one study found that even moderate alcohol consumption may increase the risk of gout attacks in men. In fact, male participants who had a maximum of two drinks in a 24-hour period had a 36 percent higher risk of gout attacks than those who had not consumed alcohol during the same time period. On the other hand, having a drink within 24 hours did not significantly increase the risk. 6
Limiting alcohol consumption may help prevent gout attacks.
Beverages and foods high in fructose
Fructose is a sugar that is the only sugar that increases uric acid levels in the body. Beverages high in fructose, such as fruit juices and sweetened soft drinks, have been shown to increase uric acid levels in the blood.
Eating foods high in fructose, such as biscuits and sweets, has also been linked to an increased risk of gout attacks. Avoiding or restricting these sugary drinks and foods may help reduce the risk of gout attacks.
High Body Mass Index
Overweight or obesity is associated with the initial development of gout. There was an association between higher body mass index (BMI) and higher uric acid levels. The link continues to work even after you have gout.
If you’re in the BMI category of overweight or obese, losing weight through diet and exercise may be one way to lower uric acid levels and prevent future attacks.
A surprising trigger for gout
While some food, drink, and lifestyle factors are known triggers for gout attacks, there are other gout triggers that should also be considered.
Stress
The exact relationship remains to be determined, but studies have shown that stress can lead to increased levels of uric acid in the blood. To help prevent gout attacks, researchers advise people with gout to avoid stress as much as possible, or to take steps to reduce it. 5.
Aspirin
Low-dose aspirin increases blood levels of uric acid, sometimes nearly doubling the risk of gout attacks. A study found an increased risk of gout attacks two days after taking low-dose aspirin. The smaller the dose, the greater the association.
But low-dose aspirin is often used to prevent cardiovascular disease. So, even though it may trigger a gout attack, if you’re taking low-dose aspirin to protect yourself from a heart attack or stroke, it’s not advisable to stop or change low-dose aspirin use. Instead, you can address other gout triggers in your life, such as drinking alcohol and eating red meat.
Dehydration
Dehydration can lead to an increase in uric acid levels, which are excreted as a result of decreased urine output.
To reduce the risk of gout attacks, people with gout should drink lots of water every day. If you exercise or spend time in a hot environment, such as a sauna, must drink more water.
Temperature change
The weather will have an effect on gout. Both high temperatures and low humidity increase the risk of gout attacks. The combination of hot and dry weather, in particular, can trigger the onset of gout. Extremely high humidity also increases the risk of gout attacks, but to a lesser extent 10.
The exact reasons behind these associations are not entirely clear, but one theory is that dehydration plays a role. In hot or dry environments, people with gout should stay hydrated and try to prevent weather-related gout attacks.
Summary
Common triggers for gout attacks, such as red meat, alcohol, and sugary drinks, should be limited or avoided to help reduce the risk of gout attacks. Other triggers of gout, such as aspirin, stress, or weather, should also be considered when determining how to prevent and control an attack.
Not every person with gout is affected by every trigger. To determine what triggers your gout attacks, make a note of what you eat or what activities you take before the gout attacks. By taking note of these factors, you may be able to recognize patterns in gout attacks.
Health care providers can also help you identify triggers and help prevent future episodes. If you are experiencing an attack of gout, discuss treatment with your healthcare provider, which may include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, such as Advil, or prescription medications for pain control.
