Protecting yourself from gout

By Gladys Halima

Gout is preventable, however, the number of cases being reported in Kenya are on the rise.

According to statistics from various hospitals, out of every five people, one has hyperuricemia — an elevated blood level of uric acid. This occurs when the liver produces more uric acid than the body can excrete as urine.

Also, consuming a diet with high content of rich foods such as red meat and cream sauces, can trigger the production of more uric acid than the kidneys are able to filter from the blood. Consequently, this leads to the buildup of uric acid in the joints leading to gout.

The risk of gout is increased among people with conditions like diabetes, obesity, sickle cell anaemia and kidney diseases.

When the uric acid builds up in the blood, it settles in the joint spaces causing swelling, inflammation, stiffness and pain especially in the big toe.

Dietary intake of rich foods that include red meat, whether nyama choma, fried beef or mutton, liver, sardines, omena, bacon and other foods that contain purine increases the risk of developing gout.

To prevent gout, try to maintain moderation in the types of food you eat.

Note: Regular intake of alcohol interferes with the removal of uric acid from the body and is also another risk factor.

The choice you make to decrease the amount of uric acid in the joints, will help you reduce the symptoms and prevent further attacks.

If you haven’t been struck by gout, prevention remains the best defense. You can protect yourself by avoiding regular intake of alcohol and that appetising spare rib you are salivating for.

Ensure to drink plenty of fluids preferably water and do regular exercises.

Incase you have gout, consult a dietitian to help you maintain a healthy diet and body weight, as you work towards recovery.