“Men’s Health: How to Fight When Gout Attacks?”

What Is Gout? Gout is a kind of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid crystals in the joints. Uric acid is a breakdown product of purines that are part of many foods we eat. An abnormality in handling uric acid and crystallization of these compounds in joints can cause attacks of painful arthritis, kidney stones, and blockage of the kidney filtering tubules with uric acid crystals, leading to kidney failure. Gout has the unique distinction of being one of the most frequently recorded medical illnesses throughout history.

 

Symptoms of Gout: Acute gout attacks are characterized by a rapid onset of pain in the affected joint followed by warmth, swelling, reddish discoloration, and marked tenderness. The small joint at the base of the big toe is the most common site for an attack. Other joints that can be affected include the ankles, knees, wrists, fingers, and elbows. In some people, the acute pain is so intense that even a bed sheet touching the toe causes severe pain. These painful attacks usually subside in hours to days, with or without medication. In rare instances, an attack can last for weeks. Most people with gout will experience repeated bouts over the years.

 

Who's Affected by Gout? The prevalence of gout in the U.S. has risen over the last twenty years and now affects 8.3 million (4%) Americans. Gout is more common in men than in women and more prevalent in African-American men than white men. The chances of having gout rises with age, with a peak age of 75. In women, gout attacks usually occur after menopause. Among the U.S. population, about 21% have elevated blood uric acid levels, a condition known as hyperuricemia. However, only a small portion of those with hyperuricemia will actually develop gout. If your parents have gout, then you have a 20% chance of developing it.

 

Risk Factors for Gout: Obesity, excessive weight gain, especially in youth, moderate to heavy alcohol intake, high blood pressure, and abnormal kidney function are among the risk factors for developing gout. Certain drugs and diseases can also cause elevated levels of uric acid. Also, there is an increased prevalence of abnormally low thyroid hormone levels (hypothyroidism) in patients with gout.

 

What Gout Looks Like: The Big Toe - The joint at the base of the big toe is the most common site of an acute gout attack. These attacks can recur unless gout is treated. See your doctor even if the pain from gout is gone. Over time, they can harm joints, tendons, and other tissues.

 

What Gout Looks Like: The Fingers - People may experience gout with deposits of uric acid crystals in their finger joints. To ease the pain during a gout attack, rest the joint that hurts.

 

What Gout Looks Like: The Elbow - Gout can also attack joints such as the elbows and knees.

 

Diagnosing Gouty Arthritis: Gout is considered when a patient reports a history of repeated attacks of painful arthritis, especially at the base of the toes or in the ankles and knees. The most reliable test for gout is detecting uric acid crystals in the joint fluid obtained by joint aspiration. This common office procedure is performed with topical local anesthesia. Using sterile technique, fluid is withdrawn (aspirated) from the inflamed joint with a syringe and needle.

 

Diagnosing Gout: Joint Fluid Analysis - Once joint fluid is obtained, it is analyzed for uric acid crystals and infection. Your doctor may also do a blood test to measure the amount of uric acid in your blood.

 

How Are Gout Attacks Prevented? Maintaining adequate fluid intake helps prevent acute gout attacks and decreases the risk of kidney stone formation in people with gout. Alcohol is known to have diuretic effects that can contribute to dehydration and precipitate acute gout attacks. Alcohol can also affect uric acid metabolism and cause hyperuricemia. It causes gout by slowing down the excretion of uric acid from the kidneys as well as by causing dehydration, which precipitates the crystals in the joints.

 

More Prevention Techniques: Dietary changes can help reduce uric acid levels in the blood. Since purine chemicals are converted by the body into uric acid, purine-rich foods should be avoided. Foods rich in purines include shellfish and organ meats, such as liver, brains, and kidneys. Researchers have reported that meat or seafood consumption increases the risk of gout attacks, while dairy consumption seemed to reduce this risk. Weight reduction can be helpful in lowering the risk of recurrent attacks of gout.

 

Treating Gout with Medications: Certain medications reduce the pain and inflammation of gout attacks, such as anti-inflammatory drugs (ibuprofen and others), colchicine, and corticosteroids. Other medications decrease the level of uric acid in the blood and prevent the deposit of uric acid in joints (gouty arthritis), the kidneys (stones), and in tissue (tophi), helping to prevent further attacks and complications. These drugs include allopurinol, febuxostat, and probenicid.

 

What Does the Future Hold for Gout? Active research is ongoing in a variety of fields related to gout and hyperuricemia. Scientists have found that high animal protein slightly increased the risk for gout. New drugs are being developed that may be more versatile and safe in treating the elevated uric acid levels in patients with chronic gout.

Reviewed by Melinda Ratini, DO, MS on April 15, 2014

REFERENCES:

MedicineNet.com
WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise: "Gout - Topic Overview."

GOUT: FOODS THAT HURT, FOODS THAT HELP

 

Drink More Water: Changing your diet may help you manage chronic gout and help symptoms such as joint pain. Start by drinking more water, because dehydration might trigger gout attacks. One study showed that men who drank five to eight glasses of water in a 24-hour period had a 40% lower risk of gout attacks. But avoid sugary sodas, which may raise your risk.

 

Find a Diet That Works for You: Being overweight raises your risk of gout. So eat a balanced diet and lose excess weight -- it can help your symptoms. Talk with your doctor about making diet changes. You may find that you can eat some foods without having a gout attack. Other foods may cause your body to react or may make your gout worse, though.

 

Avoid Flare-Up Foods: Weight loss is the most effective way to manage gout, but you also may benefit from eating a low-purine diet. Purines are found naturally in many foods. Your body breaks them down into uric acid. Too much uric acid in your blood causes gout. Some foods, like organ meats, sardines, and anchovies, are high in purines and can cause flare-ups. The good news is that many healthy options, like beans, lentils, and asparagus, have fewer purines. Talk to your doctor about what you can safely eat.

 

Eat Plenty of Fruits: Fruits provide good, fiber-filled carbohydrates and other nutrients that can help you maintain a balanced diet and healthy weight. Plus, they tend to have very few purines. Fruits high in vitamin C, like tangerines and oranges, may help prevent gout attacks. Some research shows that cherries or cherry juice can offer relief from gout. Ask your doctor if you should add cherries to your diet.

 

Choose the Right Carbs: If you follow diets that are low-carb or high in protein or fat, you may get too many purines. Processed carbohydrates like white bread and white-flour pasta have very few purines -- but they can lead to weight gain. Instead, focus on healthy carbs with high fiber such as oats, sweet potatoes, beans, and vegetables.

 

Essential Fats: Eat more foods rich in essential fatty acids, including cold-water fish like tuna and salmon, flaxseed and other seeds, and nuts. Fatty acids may help lower inflammation. Use a fatty acid-rich oil, such as olive oil, for cooking and for dressing salads. And try to cut back on, or get rid of, any trans fats in your diet.

 

Limit Your Alcohol: Alcohol may raise your risk of a gout attack -- especially if you have more than one drink a day -- because it's high in purines. Beer appears to be worse than other alcoholic drinks because it contains yeast. Moderate wine drinking doesn't appear to raise your risk, though. (HOWEVER, AVOIDANCE IS ALWAYS BEST!)

 

Use Caffeine With Caution: Moderate coffee drinking is thought to be OK for people with gout. And in some people who drink coffee regularly, drinking four or more cups a day may even lower the risk of gout attacks. But caffeinated drinks may raise uric acid levels in some people who drink them just occasionally. Talk to your doctor about whether caffeine might be causing your gout attacks.

 

Eat Less Meat: Eat limited amounts of chicken, pork, or lean beef -- at most, one serving a day. Those types of meat have fewer purines than organ meats like liver and sweetbreads. Other meat products like gravies and meat-based broths are also high in purines.

 

Enjoy Low-fat Dairy: Dairy products were once off-limits to people with gout, because they're made from animal proteins. But they're actually low in purines -- and dairy purines don't seem to cause gout. Low-fat milk and low-fat dairy may even lower your risk of gout by more than 40%. During a gout attack, low-fat dairy products may help you get rid of extra uric acid through your urine.

 

You Can't Eliminate Purines: You don’t need to limit all purines. A few foods that are high in purines don't trigger gout. One study found that peas, beans, mushrooms, cauliflower, spinach, and chicken -- formerly considered foods to avoid -- may not be linked to gout attacks.

Reviewed by Michael W. Smith, MD on May 06, 2014

REFERENCES:
Rachel Beller, RD, Beller Nutritional Institute.

Family Doctor: "Low-Purine Diet."

Arthritis Today: "Drink More Water for Fewer Gout Attacks."

Arthritis Today: "Milk Is Part of a Smart Gout Diet."

Arthritis Today: "Foods' Purine Content."

University of Maryland Medical Center: "Gout."

American College of Rheumatology: "Gout."

National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases: "Gout."

Arthritis Foundation: "Safe Foods for Gout."

Zhang, Y. American Journal of Medicine, September 2006.

Choi, H. New England Journal of Medicine, March 11, 2004.

Boston University Medical Campus: "Online Gout Study."

Arthritis Today: "Fight Gout with Your Gut."

Palo Alto Medical Foundation: "Gout: Preventing Gout Attacks."

Arthritis Today: "Soda Increases Risk of Gout."

Johns Hopkins Health Alerts: "Gout and Soda: What's the Connection?"

Arthritis Foundation: "Coffee May Lower Gout Risk."

News release, American College of Rheumatology.

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"It's Not Selfish to Love Yourself, Take Care of Yourself and to Make Your Happiness a Priority. It's a Necessity." (Mandy Hale)

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The contents of the WebMD and Self-Care With Dr. Shermaine Sites, such as text, graphics, images, and other material contained on the WebMD and Self-Care With Dr. Shermaine Sites ("Content") are for informational purposes only. The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on the WebMD and Self-Care With Dr. Shermaine Sites!

If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately. WebMD and Self-Care With Dr. Shermaine does not recommend or endorse any specific tests, physicians, products, procedures, opinions, or other information that may be mentioned on the Sites. Reliance on any information provided by WebMD, WebMD employees, others appearing on the Site at the invitation of WebMD, and Self-Care With Dr. Shermaine or other visitors to the Sites is solely at your own risk. 

“22 Healthy Foods For Men”

Lean Red Meat: If you're a steak-and-potatoes guy, you're in luck. Red meat can be good for you, says Leslie Bonci, MPH, RD, a dietitian for the Pittsburgh Steelers. Lean cuts of beef and pork are packed with protein and have only a little more fat than chicken breast. Red meat is also a good source of leucine, an amino acid that helps build muscle.

Tart Cherries: How do the Pittsburgh Steelers soothe sore muscles? Cherry juice. Bonci says she keeps some in their training room at all times. "The pigment in cherries and cherry juice mimics the effects of some anti-inflammatory medicines," says Bonci. "And there are no side effects."

Chocolate: Chocolate may improve blood flow if you eat the right kind. The flavanols in dark chocolate may curb levels of bad cholesterol, improve circulation, and keep blood pressure in check. Men with poor blood flow are more likely to have erection problems, so heart-wise foods may protect your sex life, too. But too much chocolate can lead to weight gain. Enjoy 1 ounce a day instead of other sweets.

Shellfish: Shellfish and other types of seafood are rich in zinc, which is critically important for the heart, muscles, and reproductive system. Zinc levels below normal are linked to poor sperm quality and male infertility. Not fond of seafood? Beef, turkey, chicken, nuts, and seeds offer a healthy dose of zinc, too.

Avocado: Sure, this creamy fruit is high in fat, but it's the good kind. The monounsaturated fat in avocados packs a one-two punch against cholesterol. It can knock down total cholesterol and "bad" cholesterol (LDL), too. The trick is to use a "mono" fat instead of saturated or trans fats. And eat no more than 25%-35% of all your calories from fat. Olive oil and nuts also contain good fats.

Fatty Fish: Fatty fish like salmon, herring, sardines, and halibut are another excellent source of healthy fat. They have a special type known as omega-3 fatty acids. These protect against heart disease, the top killer of men in the U. S. Two servings of fatty fish a week can lower your chances of dying from heart disease.

Ginger: Slices of this spicy root are often served with sushi or grated into an Asian stir-fry. Health-wise, ginger may help calm inflammation in the body -- which can come in handy when you push yourself too hard. Eating ginger regularly may help reduce the pain of exercise-related muscle injuries.

Milk and Yogurt: The whey in milk and yogurt is another source of leucine, a muscle-building amino acid. Bonci recommends Greek yogurt, with a thick, creamy taste that men may like better. It's also packed with protein, potassium, and friendly bacteria that keep the gut healthy. "Plus, it requires no preparation whatsoever."

Bananas: The banana is celebrated for its bounty of potassium -- and with good reason. Potassium is critical for muscle contractions and bone health. It also helps blood pressure. Getting enough potassium may be as important as eating less sodium when it comes to lowering blood pressure.

Pistachios: Nuts provide protein, fiber, and zinc while satisfying the urge for a crunchy, salty snack. Pistachios are a stand out -- higher in plant sterols that can improve cholesterol levels. Eat them from the shell, so you work harder for each one. It's a fun way to snack and keeps you from gobbling up too many calories too quickly.

Brazil Nuts: A single ounce of Brazil nuts has seven times the daily value of selenium. This mineral boosts the immune system and helps the thyroid gland.

Tomato Sauce: Tomatoes are rich in lycopene, a substance that may protect against some cancers. Some research suggests that men who eat tomato sauce regularly are less likely to get prostate cancer, but not all studies support this. Tomatoes have many other plant nutrients, too, that support good health. Adding salsa to a burrito or tomato sauce to pasta is an easy way to make a meal more nutritious.

Soy Foods: The food that offers the best protection against prostate cancer may be soy. That's the finding from a study of 40 nations. Tofu, miso soup, and soy milk are all delicious ways to eat more soy. In Asian countries, people eat up to 90 times more soy foods than Americans eat. And prostate cancer is far less common in those countries.

Mixed Vegetables: Vegetables are packed with phytochemicals, nutrients that boost cell health and protect against cancer. There are many different phytochemicals, and the best way to get a variety of them is to eat different colored veggies. "There should be color on your plate at every meal," Bonci says. 

Orange Vegetables: Orange vegetables are an excellent source of beta-carotene, lutein, and vitamin C. These nutrients may lower your odds of developing an enlarged prostate, according to a large study. Good choices include red bell peppers, carrots, pumpkins, and sweet potatoes.

Leafy Green Vegetables: Spinach, collard greens, and kale can help the eyes as well as the prostate. These leafy green vegetables have plenty of lutein and zeaxanthin. Both nutrients protect against cataracts and age-related macular degeneration, an eye disease that impairs vision. 

Baked Potato: Baked potatoes are hearty and easy to make. They're also surprisingly high in vitamin C, which works against free radicals in the body. These normal byproducts of our metabolism can be harmful if levels get too high. The result is a higher risk for cancer, heart disease, even arthritis. Go easy on the butter, or top with salsa and reduced-fat cheese. Other vitamin C heroes are green peppers, kiwi, and citrus fruits.

Eggs: Eggs provide lutein, protein, and iron, but you have to eat the whole egg. One yolk, with 185 mg of cholesterol, fits into the 300 mg daily limit for healthy people. You might also cut back on high-cholesterol sweets to make room for whole eggs in your diet. If you have high cholesterol, ask your doctor if you should limit how many eggs you eat per week.

High-Fiber Cereal: Fiber may not sound manly, but it can be a performance enhancer. Executive or athlete, you can't focus on your goals if your gut is acting up. Fiber keeps you full longer and helps your digestive system run smoothly. This doesn't mean you have to give up your favorite cereal -- just try mixing in some shredded wheat. "Don't deprive yourself," Bonci advises, "but add something good."

Brown Rice: Brown rice is another great source of fiber, and it's easy to dress up with tasty, colorful food. Try adding lean meat, baby spinach, and pineapple. If you don't like the texture, mix some white rice with the brown. Brown rice and other whole grains can help you stay at a healthy weight and lower your risk of heart disease and type 2 diabetes.

Berries: "Berries can help you be on top of your game mentally as well as physically," Bonci says. They're loaded with antioxidants that may help lower the risk of cancer. Animal studies suggest blueberries can also enhance memory and thinking. Similar research in people is in its infancy, but looks promising. When fresh berries are expensive or tough to find, try buying them frozen and making a shake.

Coffee: When you need a pick-me-up, Bonci recommends making a good old-fashioned cup of joe. Research shows it can make you more alert, and plain coffee has almost no calories. This makes it a far better choice than expensive, high-calorie energy drinks.

Focus on the Good Stuff: To change your diet, add good foods rather than denying yourself bad ones. As you get used to eating more fruits, vegetables, lean meats, and whole grains, these foods may come to replace some of the less healthy choices. Dietitian Bonci offers a sports metaphor to sum up the benefits: You'll play better today and stay in the game longer. 

Reviewed by Brunilda Nazario, MD on August 29, 2012

REFERENCES:

American Optometric Association.
American Urological Association Foundation.
Harvard School of Public Health.
Journal of Agriculture and Food Chemistry, January 2010.
Journal of Pain, September 2010.
Kuehl, K. Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, 2010.
Leslie Bonci, MPH, RD, director of sports nutrition, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center; nutritional consultant to the Pittsburgh Steelers.
MedlinePlus.
National Institutes of Health.
News Release, National Cancer Institute.
Nutrition Research, February 2009.
Oregon Health and Science University.
Oregon State University's Linus Pauling Institute.
USDA Nutrition Evidence Library.

The contents of the WebMD and Self-Care With Dr. Shermaine Sites, such as text, graphics, images, and other material contained on the WebMD and Self-Care With Dr. Shermaine Sites ("Content") are for informational purposes only. The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on the WebMD and Self-Care With Dr. Shermaine Sites!

If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately. WebMD and Self-Care With Dr. Shermaine does not recommend or endorse any specific tests, physicians, products, procedures, opinions, or other information that may be mentioned on the Sites. Reliance on any information provided by WebMD, WebMD employees, others appearing on the Site at the invitation of WebMD, and Self-Care With Dr. Shermaine or other visitors to the Sites is solely at your own risk.

Much Love, Dr.Shermaine #InformativeRead #PleaseShare #HealthyBodySoulAndSpirit #IWantYou2Live

"It's Not Selfish to Love Yourself, Take Care of Yourself and to Make Your Happiness a Priority. It's a Necessity." (Mandy Hale)

"Self-Care is Not Selfish. You Cannot Serve From an Empty Vessel." (Eleanor Brown)