How do you get rid of gout?

Gout is no laughing matter…unless, of course, you happen to be laughing at someone who’s currently experiencing a gout flare-up. Then it’s frickin’ hilarious! But if you’re the one suffering from this painful and debilitating condition, trust me – there’s nothing funny about it.

Fortunately for all you poor souls out there dealing with gout, I’ve got some tips and tricks that will help banish this monstrosity from your life once and for all. So sit back, relax, grab a cherry juice cocktail (I’ll explain why later), and let’s get down to business.

What Is Gout?

Before we dive into how to get rid of gout, let’s make sure we’re all on the same page when it comes to what this pesky little affliction actually is. Essentially, gout is caused by an excess build-up of uric acid in your bloodstream. This can lead to the formation of sharp crystals in your joints – particularly in your toes (ouch!).

The result? Painful swelling, inflammation and stiffness that can last anywhere from a few days to several weeks or even months if left untreated.

Sneaky Foods That Trigger Gout

While genetics do play a role in some cases of gout onset (thanks mom & dad!), diet also has a significant impact on whether or not you end up cursed with this beastly ailment.

Some common culprits include:

  • Red meat
  • Shellfish
  • Organ meats (does anyone actually eat these?!)
  • Sugary drinks (looking at you soda!)
  • Alcohol

If any or all of these foods are staples in your daily intake people: STOP EATING THEM. You don’t need that kind of negativity in your life right now.

Drink Your Way Out Of It

We’re not just talking about water, although that is obviously crucial. When it comes to gout, what you drink is almost as important as what you eat (or don’t eat).

First and foremost: drink lots of water. Aim for at least 8 cups per day – maybe more if you’re particularly active.

In addition to H2O, try incorporating these beverages into your daily routine:

  • Black cherry juice (thus the cocktail earlier!)
  • Coffee
  • Green tea
  • Low-fat milk

According to some studies, these drinks can help lower uric acid levels in your body – thereby reducing the risk of a flare-up!

Get Moving

Exercise isn’t just good for staving off heart disease and diabetes. It can also play a major role in preventing gout from creeping up on you when you least expect it.

Now I know what some of you are thinking: ‘But Exercise makes my joints hurt even worse!’. And while this may be true during a flare-up, moderate exercise has actually been shown to help prevent future attacks by loosening stiff joints and promoting overall joint health.

So go ahead – crank up your favorite tunes and get moving!

Medicate This Mofo

If all else fails or if you’ve already tried lifestyle changes with little success (hangs head), there are medications that can help bring down inflammation and reduce pain associated with gout flare-ups.

Some popular options include:

  • NSAIDs
  • Colchicine (Not recommended before an evening out though folks…)
  • Corticosteroids

Keep in mind though: medication should only ever be taken under the guidance of a medical professional! Don’t rely on Dr.Google for this one people…

Final Thoughtse

Getting rid of gout can feel like an uphill battle…especially when those sharp crystals start forming in places where they really shouldn’t be allowed anywhere near. But rest assured: by following these tips and making some simple lifestyle changes, you can be well on your way to a pain-free future.

Just don’t forget to add that black cherry juice cocktail back into your evening routine – gotta celebrate those victories in style 😉

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