Eating the Wrong Foods
Gout is caused by the build up of uric acid in the body which then forms into razor-sharp crystals in your joints. This causes extreme pain as well as damage to your joints. Avoiding this build up of uric acid is key if you want to prevent a gout attack. Here are several foods you need to avoid due to their high purine content which breaks down into uric acid upon digestion.
- Organ meats
- Pork
- Beef
- Shrimp
- Scallops
- Spinach
- Mushrooms
- Asparagus
- Anchovies
- Herring
- Beer
Avoiding these foods while drinking lots of water daily is a great way to stay gout free. Remember, uric acid crystals will have a much harder time forming in a well hydrated body.
Not Getting Enough Exercise
Research has shown that people who are overweight or obese have a much higher chance of getting gout. This is partially due to the lack of exercise. Regular exercise not only helps to get uric acid out of your system it also helps to strengthen your joints if you are stretching like you should be. Cardio exercises are especially effective at helping to prevent gout.
Breathing Too Shallow
Most people don't use their full lung capacity when they breath and normally it doesn't matter. If you have frequent gout attacks though it could be another risk factor. When you breath you expel carbon dioxide and your body becomes less acidic.
Try setting aside a little time every day to practice deep breathing exercises and relaxation. As you become more used to breathing deeply, try and make it a habit in day to day life.
Bonus Tip:
Avoiding these mistakes is critical to beating gout but you need to also be aware that how you treat gout also plays an important role. Trying to treat gout with painkillers is almost like trying to treat a gunshot wound with morphine. Sure it may cover up the pain but that's about it.
Instead, try using natural gout remedies along with any pills you may be taking. Not only do these remedies treat the pain, they also work to flush out the uric acid crystals that cause gout.