Gout Prevention

In most people, a first acute gout attack comes without warning, and there really aren't any other symptoms of high uric acid. Therefore, prevention efforts for gout are focused on preventing future attacks or lessening their severity.

Medication

Xanthine oxidase inhibitors and probenecid both prevent gout attacks by reducing the amount of uric acid in the blood. In addition, a doctor may prescribe an NSAID or colchicine taken every day to help make future attacks less painful.

Learn more about drugs used to treat gout.

Dietary Changes

Careful monitoring of diet can also help to reduce uric acid levels. Your doctor can help you create a specific plan, but some of the most common changes are as follows:

• drink more water and other non-alcoholic fluids
• drink less alcohol
• eat less meat
• limit high-purine foods, including organ meats, oily fish, and certain vegetables
• eat more low-fat dairy foods

Maintain a Healthy Weight

In addition, dietary changes may also have the goal of reducing body weight. Obesity is a risk factor for gout, so maintaining a healthy weight—through a balanced diet and regular exercise—can help prevent attacks.

For more information on weight management and exericise:

Diet & Weight Loss Learning Center

Fitness & Exercise Learning Center