5 Eating Patterns Recommended to Help Prevent Gout Recurrence

YOGYAKARTA - Gout can recur at any time and trigger severe pain in the joints that interfere with daily activities. One way that can help reduce the risk of recurrence is to apply a diet to prevent gout from recurring. Citing Harvard Health, Monday, June 29, the current recommended approach is no longer just avoiding certain foods, but rather a comprehensive healthy diet that supports uric acid levels to remain under control.

1. Apply a healthy diet dominated by plant-based foods

Eating patterns such as the Mediterranean diet and the DASH diet are good choices for gout sufferers. Both diets emphasize the consumption of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, nuts, and healthy fats such as olive oil. In addition to helping reduce the risk of gout recurrence, these diets are also beneficial for maintaining heart health and body metabolism.

2. Increase fiber-rich foods and low-fat dairy products

Fiber plays a role in maintaining the health of the digestive tract and supporting the process of removing uric acid through the kidneys. Meanwhile, various studies show that low-fat dairy products are related to lower uric acid levels. You can add low-fat milk or low-fat yogurt as part of a balanced daily menu.

Illustration of the recommended diet to prevent gout recurrence (Freepik/pvproductions)3. Maintain ideal body weight and meet fluid needs

Maintaining an ideal body weight is an important part of a healthy diet for gout sufferers. Excess weight can increase uric acid production so that the risk of recurrence is higher. In addition, drink enough water every day so that the kidneys can remove excess uric acid through urine more optimally.

4. Limit foods high in purines

Some foods contain high amounts of purines so they should not be consumed excessively. Examples include offal, red meat, game meat, as well as some types of fish and seafood such as sardines, anchovies, herring, trout, haddock, and shellfish. On the other hand, you don't have to worry about eating vegetables like spinach or asparagus because even though they contain purines, they have not been shown to increase the risk of gout attacks.

5. Reduce alcohol and sugary drinks consumption

Alcoholic beverages can inhibit the excretion of uric acid by the kidneys and increase the risk of dehydration. Meanwhile, sugary drinks containing high-fructose corn syrup are also known to increase uric acid levels in the body. Limiting both types of drinks is a simple step that can help reduce the risk of gout recurrence.

Diet still needs to be accompanied by treatment if necessary

A healthy diet is indeed an important role in controlling gout, but it is not always enough as the only therapy. In some people, especially those who often experience attacks or have high uric acid levels, doctors can prescribe medication to help lower uric acid levels. A combination of medication and lifestyle changes generally provides better results in preventing recurrence.

Implementing a diet to prevent gout attacks can be a simple step that provides great benefits for joint health. By increasing nutritious foods, maintaining body weight, limiting high-purine foods, and reducing alcohol and sugary drinks, you can help keep uric acid levels stable. Don't forget to keep consulting your doctor so that gout treatment is in accordance with your health condition.

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