Prevention

If you are at risk for gout, you should

• eat a low-cholesterol, low-fat diet. People with gout have a higher risk for heart disease. This diet would not only lower your risk for gout but also your risk for heart disease.
  
  
• slowly lose weight. This can lower your uric acid levels. Losing weight too rapidly can occasionally precipitate gout attacks.
  
  
• restrict your intake of alcohol, especially beer.
  
  
• stay hydrated.
  
  
• adjust your intake of dairy products, such as nonfat milk and yogurt, because they can lower the frequency of gout attacks.

If you have had an attack of gouty arthritis, you should do all of the above and follow the regimen prescribed by your physician. The adequate prevention of gouty arthritis may involve lifelong medical therapy.

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