Patient/caregiver was educated on lifestyle measures in individuals with Gout as follows:
- Observe compliance with increasing consumption of gluten-free foods, fresh white & lean meat, and green tea. Consumption of food products rich in omega-3 fatty acids must be increased. These above-mentioned food items are rich in ingredients controlling inflammation in joints and so, are encouraged. Also, observing compliance with low purine foods can reduce formation of uric acid in the body and help relief from exacerbation of gout.
- Excess of uric acid in the blood can lead to crystallization of uric acid in multiple joints, leading to gouty arthritis. Medications could be prescribed to reduce the formation of uric acid in the body or to help increase excretion of uric acid from the body. Lowered uric acid levels in the blood with intake of these medications could contribute to relief from gouty symptoms. Observe compliance with intake of these medications, if prescribed.
- Uric acid is soluble in water and is excreted in the urine. Any compromise in the fluid intake and hydration status of an individual can lead to poorly soluble uric acid, formation of uric acid crystals, thus increasing risk for gout. Individuals with history of gout, secondary to the poor solubility of uric acid and crystallization, can present with an acute flare-up of gout. So, maintaining the recommended daily fluid intake is an important step towards preventing development/exacerbation of gout. In general, the daily requirement of an average adult could be around 3 – 3.5 liters of fluid. Individuals with limitations on fluid intake, such as, individuals with heart failure, renal failure, and dialysis dependency, must comply with the limitations recommended.
