Gout occurs when uric acid from foods high in purines builds up in the bloodstream. This uric acid then hardens and crystallizes, causing joint pain. To prevent gout relapse, you need to keep your uric acid levels normal by adopting the following healthy lifestyle:
Uric acid is a waste product that is produced naturally by the body. This product comes from the digestion of food that contains purines. The body will automatically filter uric acid through the kidneys and then excreted through urine. When consumed too much, the body cannot get rid of these wastes quickly so they accumulate in the blood.
Well, uric acid that is increasingly piling up is the forerunner of gout. Uric acid that accumulates for too long then hardens and forms crystals. As a result, a person can experience joint pain and other gout symptoms. To prevent gout, of course you need to keep uric acid levels at normal numbers. Here's an easy way to keep uric acid normal.
Tips for Keeping Uric Acid Normal
The following are tips to keep uric acid levels normal:
Limit foods high in purines
The main source of uric acid is found in foods that are high in purines, such as meat, seafood, and vegetables. All of these foods release uric acid when digested. If you want to prevent gout from relapse, you should avoid eating offal, fish, shellfish, and red meat. Legumes such as green beans and peanuts also need to be avoided because they include foods that contain purines.
Limit excess sugar
Gout is often associated with high protein foods. However, recent research suggests that excessive sugar intake could also be a potential culprit. Added sugars such as corn syrup, high fructose which is often added in processed foods have been shown to cause high uric acid levels.
You can replace it by eating fruit without juice or making smoothies with natural sweeteners such as honey. Don't forget to drink plenty of fluids to help the kidneys excrete uric acid faster.
Avoid alcohol consumption
Drinking alcohol can make the body more easily dehydrated. This can trigger high uric acid levels, because the kidneys must first filter the alcohol products that enter the blood, not uric acid and other wastes. Some types of alcoholic beverages are also high in purines, thereby increasing the risk of developing gout many times.
Lose weight
Fat cells that are stored in the body can accumulate more uric acid. In addition, being overweight makes it harder for the kidneys to filter uric acid. Losing weight in a healthy way can reduce this risk.
Increase fiber
Eating more fiber will help the body get rid of uric acid. Fiber can also help balance blood sugar and insulin levels. Fiber also helps the body recognize satiety faster, reducing the risk of overeating.
Reduce stress
Stress, poor sleep habits, and too little exercise can increase inflammation that triggers high uric acid levels. Find the right stress coping such as exercising, doing hobbies, talking to friends and don't hesitate to ask for help when you are in trouble.
Also avoid the habit of sleeping late which can trigger insomnia. Before going to bed, make sure the room is comfortable with a clean bed and turn off the lights. Also avoid using cell phones or other electronic devices two to three hours before bedtime.
Go to bed and wake up at a consistent time each day to establish a good sleep cycle. Reduce caffeine intake after lunch so you get better quality sleep.