If you suffer from gout, you may have been informed that your condition is due to high levels of uric acid in your body. However, that is not the only cause. You shouldn’t have to live in fear of your next gout attack. To better understand why you suffer from the condition, you need to understand the role purines play.
What Are Purines?
Purines are a substance that is produced in your body. They are also are present in many foods. When they are metabolized, they are transformed into uric acid. Foods and beverages account for approximately one third of the uric acid content inside of your body. The more purine-containing foods and beverages you consume, the higher the level of purines in your body become. Many people who have excess levels of uric acid in their blood often do not experience any symptoms and it can’t be detected by smell or taste. However, other people do experience symptoms and eventually develop gout. Gout is a severe and extremely painful form of arthritis.
High levels of uric acid is when the amount present in the bloodstream reaches or exceeds six milligrams per deciliter. However, it is not until levels of seven milligrams per deciliter are reached before some people begin to show symptoms of gout. There are also other factors that can increase one chance’s of developing gout besides high purine consumption.
Lowering Uric Acid Levels in the Body
Gout sufferers may be able to prevent gout attacks by lowering the amount of uric acid that is in their bodies. Although there are medications that can be taken to achieve this goal, many people find it easier and more beneficial for them to maintain a low purine diet.
-
Start off by eliminating or limiting the amount of greasy foods you eat. Some meats and seafood are known to induce a gout attack within a few days of consumption. To prevent a sudden flare-up, avoid eating beef, pork, brains, chicken, veal, anchovies and tuna.
-
Avoid beer. If you must indulge in alcohol, choose wine instead. Beer has been directly linked to gout attacks because of its yeast content. Wine, however, has no effect on uric acid production. It also has other effects that your body may be able to benefit from.
-
Stay hydrated. If you do not drink enough fluids, especially water, you are not providing your body with the amount of fluid it needs to ensure proper kidney filtration. Your kidneys filter the blood in your body. They remove waste products from the blood, including uric acid which is created from purines. Some people are able to avoid gout attacks by increasing their water intake to eight or more glasses of each day.
-
Take supplements and vitamins. The average person’s diet is not diverse enough to provide them with all of the necessary nutrients they need. Fortunately, there are Puremedica supplements and vitamins that can be taken. As a gout sufferer, you may suffer from certain nutrient and genetic deficiencies that can be improved through the use of supplements and vitamins. If you have diagnosed yourself, you should seek out a proper diagnosis and consult with your doctor before adding any supplements to your diet. Also, some foods can be very beneficial to people who suffer from gout attacks. These foods include cherries, strawberries and blueberries.
-
Caffeinated beverages are a little trickier for gout sufferers. If you normally consume coffee, teas and other caffeine containing beverages, then you should continue to do so because they can help to keep uric acid levels low. However, a sudden increase in consumption can result in a gout flare-up.
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, weight and making good eating choices can help you to achieve the perfect purine balance and possibly eliminate the need for gout medication.
Impact of Purines on Your Health
Recent research shows that not all purine containing foods react the same way in the body. Plant and vegetable forms of purines may have the ability to lower the amount of uric acid in the body. Fruits and vegetables that contain high levels of uric acid include cherries, blueberries, broccoli, spinach, asparagus, cauliflower and mushrooms. However, animal food products, such as meats and greasy foods that contain them should still be avoided because they do lead to elevated uric acid levels.
Purines are an essential dietary component. Purines are vital to uric acid synthesis. Uric acid helps to protect the blood vessels in the body and are a waste product that is excreted out of the body when cells die in the form of urine. Although some individuals have trouble processing them, they should not be eliminated completely from one’s diet. Medication is often the primary way for many people to manage their condition. However, many individuals are able to achieve a balance between their purine intake and production that enables them to live gout-free lives.
Modifying your diet, becoming more active and making other lifestyle adjustments can significantly improve your prognosis by reducing how often you experience gout attacks and in some cases eliminate them completely.