Health Tip: Help Ward Off Gout

When your body builds up unhealthy levels of uric acid — a natural byproduct of your body’s cells — it may lead to a type of arthritis called gout.

The American Academy of Family Physicians says there are things you can do to reduce your risk of a gout attack:

Take all medications recommended by your doctor.
Discuss with your doctor the risks of taking aspirin, which may interfere with your medications.
Take steps to lose excess weight.
Make sure any health conditions, such as diabetes, high cholesterol or high blood pressure, are under control.
Eat foods that are low in salt and fat.
Drink plenty of water and avoid alcohol.
Don’t eat foods that have a lot of purines, which break down into uric acid. Examples include organ meats such as kidneys and liver; and anchovies, sardines, herring, mackerel and scallops.

Source: HealthDay