Gouty Arthritis or Gout is a metabolic painful disease that occurs when high levels of uric acid in the blood causes crystals to form and accumulate in and around a joint. It can strike any joint but favors those in the feet and legs. The disease usually occurs in men older than age 30 and in postmenopausal women. Secondary gout occurs in older people.

CAUSES

Primarily gout is linked to a genetic defect in purine metabolism, which causes overproduction of uric acid (hyperuricemia), retention of uric acid or both. Secondary gout develops during the cause of another disease such as obesity, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, sickle cell anemia and renal disease. Uric acid is produced when the body breaks down a chemical called purine. Purine occurs naturally in your body, but it’s also found in certain foods.

NB: Uric acid is eliminated from the body in urine.  

Symptoms of Gouty Arthritis

1. Sudden pain, swelling and inflammation of joints that mostly affects the big toe.
2. Intense wrist, knees and heel joint pains.
3. Inflammation and redness of joints affected.
4. Limited range of motion in affected joints

NB: An attack of gout can occur suddenly, often waking you up in the middle of the night with a sensation that your big toe is on fire.

Urate crystals may collect in urinary tract of people with gout causing kidney stones.

Prevention measures

1. Drink plenty of water to stay well hydrated
2. Limit or avoid alcohol
3. Take low fat dairy products
4. Limit intake of meat, fish and poultry
5. Maintain desirable body weight

Management of gouty arthritis

1. Eat whole grains eg oats, brown rice and barley
2. Take green tea and coffee
3. Eat potatoes, peas and dark green leafy vegetables
4. Eat nuts and seeds like almonds, flax and quinoa
5. Eat legumes e.g. lentils, beans and soya
6. Use plant based oil e.g. olive, flax, canola and sunflower

Reduce or eliminate the following foods

1. Red meats
2. Organ meats like liver, kidney, brain etc.
3. Avoid sugary beverages e.g. fruit juices, sodas and high fructose corn
4. Avoid white bread, cookies and cakes

Isaac Njiru Njeru

Food Technologist

Mobile No. 0722 561 495

Email

isanjiru@gmail.com or

erangifoodsltd@gmail.com

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