Question: Do you have suggestions for preventing gout?
Dr. Brownstein’s Answer:
Gout is a medical condition that usually presents with recurrent attacks of acute inflammatory arthritis. The arthritis becomes evident when uric acid precipitates out of the blood and deposits in the joints.
Gout affects 1 percent of the Western population. There is no question that a Western diet high in refined foods predisposes one to gout attacks. Recent research has found a strong correlation with fructose intake and the development of gout. Consuming two servings a day of a sugar-sweetened soft drink increased the risk of developing gout by 85 percent, according to one study.
To prevent gout it is best to avoid high fructose corn syrup altogether. Another way to prevent gout is to make sure that you consume enough water. Dehydration is a huge factor in predisposing one to a gout attack. Exercise is also very helpful for reducing the risk.
Fresh cherries (a half pound to a pound a day) and cherry juice concentrate (1 ounce per day) can alleviate a gout attack.
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