In the US, it is estimated that gout affects nearly 4% of the adult population. There has been an alarming increase compared to the prior decades. Unlike the common misconception about gout, it is not a disease limited to well-off people; gout can affect all kinds of people.
Early signs of gout
- Pain and swelling of the big toe
Estimates suggest that over half of the total number of cases of gout involve pain and swelling of the metatarsophalangeal joint.
- Gout flare intervals
Gout flares happen if your gout is left untreated. It can be experienced by a person for one time and then feel fine the next day. While you think it may not happen again another attack can occur without a warning.
- Fatigue
Doctors call this RA fatigue where you may experience systemic tiredness similar to flu.
- Kidney stones
If you’ve had kidney stones then you already possess the risk factors for gout and a possibility to develop it later on.
- High blood pressure
High blood pressure has been linked to having high uric acid levels in the body and is also associated with individuals who are overweight.
How to avoid gout
A new study published in JAMA Network Open found that more than three-quarters of gout cases that affect men may be completely avoidable. Researchers analyzed data from almost 45,000 men who completed surveys on their health, medications, and habits every two years for 25 years. Four factors were pointed out as protective measures and these are:
- Normal BMI (body mass index)
- No alcohol consumption
- Following a heart-healthy diet that is originally developed to counter high blood pressure
- No use of diuretic medication
This analysis proposed that 69% of cases of gout in men could be avoided using these four measures. But men with a BMI of 30 or higher saw little benefit. This suggests that losing excess weight is necessary for the other three protective measures to be beneficial.
Hi! My name is Kimmy B, I am the co-host of the We’reHard podcast. I have a passion for fitness, nutrition and a healthy lifestyle. I’ve always loved working out and staying active but recently found my groove in the fitness industry.