Gout

Prevention

Gout usually develops after a number of years of buildup of uric acid crystals in the joints and surrounding tissue. You probably won't know that you have an elevated uric acid level in your blood until you have had your first gout attack. However, you can help prevent or reduce the severity of future gout attacks.

• If you have been prescribed medications for gout, it is important that you take those medications as instructed to prevent future attacks.
• If you are overweight, take steps to lose weight. For more information, see the topic Healthy Weight.
• You probably will be advised to reduce or stop your alcohol intake or to modify your diet.
• Making changes in your diet may help with your gout. If you want to try an eating plan for gout, see:

  Gout: Changing your diet.

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Author:	Jan Nissl, RN, BS	Last Updated: July 24, 2006
Medical Review:	Martin Gabica, MD - Family Medicine Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine Stanford M. Shoor, MD - Rheumatology
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