Gout disease is most common among people between the ages 30 and 50. Gout attacks can only be caused by a buildup of about 20 years. Gout will usually start to manifest at least a decade before the levels of uric acid begin to rise. This does not mean that gout is impossible in those under 30 years of age. Gout can still occur in people under 30 years old. Gout can also occur in people younger than 30, although it is not common. This is usually due to an enzyme problem or kidney disease. There are steps you can take to prevent gout from developing if it is not caused by another problem, such as a family history of gout.
What To Do?
First, ensure that you are properly hydrated. This is a great piece of advice for any condition, but it is even more important if you are trying to prevent gout. Hydration is the first step in flushing uric acid out of your body. Gout is caused by uric acid buildup in the joints. Therefore, gout prevention should be aimed at preventing this from happening. Next, you need to maintain a healthy weight. Talk to your doctor if you are overweight, especially if obese. This will help you maintain a healthy body mass.
Although obesity doesn’t cause gout directly, being overweight can increase your risk of developing attacks. Be careful not to lose too much weight as this can increase your uric acid levels, which can lead to a gout attack. Even if your body is already healthy, you should review your diet and make healthy dietary adjustments to include optimal nutritional choices and low amounts of purines and proteins. These foods, including meat, fish, and beer should be avoided. If you are prone to excessive drinking or binge drinking, reduce your alcohol intake.
Good To Know
Although alcohol is not a cause for gout, it can make your efforts to prevent the gout from worsening even more. Your body will become dehydrated from alcohol, and uric acid will form. It not only increases your uric acids levels but also discourages your body’s ability to eliminate that uric acid. It is best to avoid alcohol if you want to prevent gout. Hyperuricemia can increase your risk of developing gout disease. If you have hyperuricemia, your blood levels of uric acid are already high. Your doctor may prescribe medication to treat hyperuricemia. You can help slow down the progression of gout by controlling hyperuricemia.