Gout is a disease consisting of a disorder of uric acid metabolism. Gout is usually referred to as a joint disease, because excess uric acid forms salts (urates), deposited primarily in the joints. First of all, the joint of the big toe suffers. An inflamed bump on the big toe is a characteristic symptom of gout.
Genetically, men are more predisposed to this disease. Among those who fall ill, they are almost 95%. The peak incidence in men is at the age of 40-50 years, in women – from 60 years and older. However, gout can also affect people at a younger age.
Symptoms
An acute attack of gout develops rapidly, more often during sleep, and is accompanied by signs:
- Severe pain. Sharp joint pain usually begins in the first metatarsophalangeal joint in the foot, but any joint of the extremities may be involved. Inflammation often develops in the ankle, knee, elbow, and wrist joints.
- Pain persists on average for a day from the onset of the attack, then gradually subsides.
- Unpleasant sensations, stiffness in the joint. After an exacerbation, patients note the persistence of stiffness for up to two weeks;
- Swelling, redness in the area of the joint. During an attack, the joints become painful, the skin over the joint is hot when touched;
- Limitation of the mobility of the joint. Gradually there is a pronounced deformation of the joint.
Causes of gout
Gout, known as the “disease of aristocrats”, has long been considered a disease of those who led a luxurious lifestyle, consuming a lot of meat and alcohol. The main cause of gout is an excess of purines in the diet. Purines are organic substances that are converted into uric acid in the body.
The main risk factors for the development of gout are:
1. Nutrition. Excessive consumption of foods high in purines such as:
- Red meat
- Meat by-products
- Smoked meat and bacon
- Seafood (mussels, shrimp)
- Carbonated drinks and sweet juices with added sugar
- Alcohol, especially beer and red wine
2. Heredity. Genetic mutations can disrupt uric acid metabolism, which increases the likelihood that relatives will develop gout.
3. Chronic diseases. Some diseases can impair kidney function, leading to uric acid accumulation:
- Renal failure
- Heart failure
- Diabetes mellitus
- Hypertension
- Hypothyroidism
- Psoriasis
4. Injuries and infections. Joint injuries and certain infectious diseases can also contribute to the development of gout.
5. Medications. Some medicines can increase the level of uric acid in the blood, for example:
- Diuretics
- Medicines for the treatment of Parkinson’s disease
- Vitamin B3
Prevention
A healthy lifestyle is key to preventing and improving the well-being of patients with gout. Adherence to the following recommendations is aimed at promoting a healthy lifestyle:
- A varied, balanced diet. Diet acts as a key factor in the treatment of gout. It has been found that sometimes only dietary adjustments are enough to manage gout. Uric acid is the result of the breakdown of purine. Purine is an organic compound that enters the body with food. Red meat, liver, hearts, and alcohol contain purine. Avoiding purine-containing foods will help lower uric acid levels in the blood.
- Regular physical activity. Exercise is beneficial for weight management and maintaining full range of motion in the joint, and has a favorable effect on the body. Low to moderate intensity physical activity can reduce uric acid levels.
- Maintaining an optimal weight. Excess weight negatively affects metabolism, is a risk factor for cardiovascular and endocrine pathology, and increases the load on deformed joints. Comprehensive treatment of gout always includes correction of excess weight.
- Regular follow-up with a rheumatologist will prevent the development of formidable complications and help improve quality of life.
Therapeutic diet for gout
The therapeutic diet is aimed at reducing the consumption of protein products of animal origin. The allowed amount – up to 1 g per 1 kg of body weight. It is obligatory to observe the water balance, the amount of fluid drunk – up to 2 liters per day. As a liquid you can use a decoction of rose hips, morsels, water with lemon, mineral alkaline water. Alkaline water prevents the occurrence of nephrolithiasis. Salt intake is limited, because it retains fluid in the body and disrupts lymphatic drainage.
Diet therapy for gout is aimed at eliminating foods that are rich in purines.
Foods that must be eliminated:
- rich meat, fish broths;
- yeast baked goods;
- legumes;
- fatty fish, sprats, sardines, pike;
- by-products;
- lard;
- porcini mushrooms, mushrooms;
- sweets – cakes, pastries, candies, chocolate;
- herbs – spinach, sorrel, rhubarb;
- vegetables – asparagus, cauliflower, radishes, radishes;
- fruits – figs;
- cereals – peeled white rice;
- sausages, smoked meats;
- yeast products.
It is recommended to eat meat in boiled form, because purine bases remain in the broth.
It is necessary to exclude or limit the consumption of coffee, strong tea, spices, smoked meats, fatty foods, and alcohol.
Conclusion
Gout is a metabolic disorder caused by an excess of uric acid, leading to painful joint inflammation and long-term complications if left untreated. While genetic predisposition plays a role, lifestyle factors such as diet, weight, and physical activity significantly influence the onset and progression of the disease.
Preventing gout involves maintaining a balanced diet with minimal purine-rich foods, staying physically active, and managing body weight. Regular medical check-ups and dietary adjustments can help reduce uric acid levels and prevent flare-ups. A well-structured therapeutic diet, along with adequate hydration, further supports kidney function and reduces the risk of complications.
By adopting a healthy lifestyle and following medical recommendations, individuals with gout can effectively manage symptoms, prevent severe joint damage, and maintain a high quality of life.
