Gout is an inflammatory joint arthritis that can manifest suddenly and painfully. If you have been diagnosed with gout, your body has higher than normal uric acid levels. Uric acid typically builds around our joints- usually around the feet or even your big toe. When the build-up is too much, it can create crystals around the joints which is when you experience the gout flare-up.

If you have gout, the doctors here at Bowie Health Internal Medicine in the Maryland area can provide excellent care in treating and preventing gout flare-ups. 

Typical symptoms of a gout flare-up are intense pain, swelling, warmth, and tenderness to the affected joint. While gout symptoms can be triggered for many reasons, there are several ways to prevent a flare-up, especially as the holiday season approaches. With these 5 tips, you can learn what triggers your gout symptoms to help minimize and prevent future attacks. 

1. Avoid Alcohol

While the holiday season often includes holiday parties and get-togethers, drinking alcohol can further exacerbate and increase the risk of having a gout flare-up. Alcohol, particularly beer and liquor, messes with your body’s ability to remove uric acid, resulting in build-up around your joints at a faster pace. 

2. Drink Plenty of Water

No matter how you are spending the holidays, make sure you are drinking plenty of water and staying hydrated. It’s easier to become dehydrated in the winter weather if you aren’t drinking enough water. Being dehydrated makes it harder for your kidneys to filter out the uric acid from your blood which causes build-up. If you don’t drink enough water, you may be at risk of a gout attack. 

3. Limit Food With High Purine Levels

Purine is found in all foods that contain proteins. However, there are some foods that contain higher levels of purine. Purine has been linked in the past to higher uric acids which can cause a big issue for people with gout. Seafood, like salmon and mussels, pork, turkey, duck, and some vegetables are all high in purines. To prevent a gout flare-up, try to avoid these foods at your holiday parties. 

4. Enjoy Sugary Beverages and Snacks in Moderation

Sweets are definitely bountiful during the holiday season. Cookies, cakes, punches, and sweet treats are staples at almost every party but this can be a serious problem for someone with gout. Those tasty treats are known for having high amounts of sugar which can increase blood sugar levels. High blood sugar has been linked to increased uric acid, particularly in adults who are overweight or obese. Avoiding sodas, sugary sweets, and other foods may help prevent a gout attack. 

5. Manage Holiday Stress

Holidays go hand in hand with increased levels of stress. From visiting family to picking out the perfect gifts and avoiding the crowds, there are many reasons why you may experience higher-than-normal stress levels. High-stress levels can also contribute to increased uric acid levels. To help prevent gout attacks, find ways to manage your holiday stress. Self-care, meditation, and yoga are all great ways to decrease stress and help you relax. 

Best Doctor to Treat and Prevent Gout Near You

Whether you need quick relief from a gout flare-up or you want to learn more about managing gout long-term, our doctors here at Bowie Health are here to help. Please contact our office to schedule an appointment or ask any questions.