Typically, uric acid is eliminated naturally by the kidneys. However, sometimes blood levels are too high.
Possible causes: it can occur by taking an excess of foods rich in purines (when they break down they become uric acid), because the body tends to accumulate or because it does not eliminate it well.
This causes the formation of small crystals in the joints that can cause gout attack .
It manifests itself in the form of intense joint pain that appears at night and is able to wake us up. It is usually noticed on the big toe for the first time, and then affects other joints in subsequent attacks (knees, wrists, elbows and ankles).
The area is inflamed, hot, flushed and stiff , unable to move it.
REDUCE DISCOMFORT FROM SEVERE PAIN
The pain usually does not last more than 10 days and disappears by itself. Follow these tips to decrease it.
Keep the joint high. The less you move it, the less it will hurt.
- Apply cold for 20 minutes, 3 or 4 times a day, to reduce swelling.
- Drink draining infusions such as horsetail. It helps remove excess uric acid in the urine.
- Take citrus to favor drainage . Because of its anti-inflammatory effect, pineapple is another recommended fruit, along with bananas and apples .
- Massages with essential oils , such as lavender , relieve.
- The sodium bicarbonate , for its alkalizing effect, is helpful. Take a tablespoon a day with water while there is pain .
CAN A GOUT ATTACK BE SERIOUS?
The disease can evolve and affect important organs such as the kidney or heart . New studies show that the risk of thrombosis increases .
Sometimes it is necessary to prescribe drugs to reduce symptoms.
KEYS TO PREVENT A GOUT ATTACK
If you have an excess of uric acid in the blood that can cause pain in the toe joints (Gout). But you can control it with a good diet.
Take note of our tips, they will help you space and avoid annoying gout attacks:
Foods
- Follows a diet rich in fruits and vegetables in season (except tomato) . And eat cherries, decrease the risk of gout.
- Reduce fatty meats , offal , sausages and cured cheeses .
- Limit red meat (such as pork, lamb, beef and liver), as well as fish and shellfish because they are very rich in purines .
- For that same reason, it moderates the consumption of legumes , cauliflower, spinach, asparagus and mushrooms.
- In addition, take care of alcohol consumption (including beer) as it predisposes to gout. The sugary sodas and too much coffee is not advised.
Habits
- Make 5 meals a day and do not miss more than 3 hours without taking anything.
- Be cautious with dinner . Attacks usually occur at night.
- And don't forget to drink two liters of water a day .
- The extra pounds and stress increase the risk . Keep these two factors at bay.
- Vitamin B3 supplements make gout worse, but vitamin C supplements may reduce it. These products should be taken under medical supervision.
