Reboot and Revive
Gout is an excruciating form of inflammatory arthritis that manifests in the body through common signs of inflammation at the joints due to the accumulation of uric acid crystals within and around them.
A gout attack, known as a flare-up, is a sudden outburst of pain in one or many joints. These flare-ups can last days or weeks and are usually followed by long periods of remission—weeks, months, or years—without symptoms before another flare begins.
Symptoms that manifest during flare-ups include:
- Pain, usually intense
- Swelling
- Redness
- Heat
As highlighted in this 2020 article by the CDC, gout currently has no cure. However, it is treatable in many ways, and by following an anti-inflammatory lifestyle, the effects and development of gout can be diminished.
Understanding how this form of arthritis is triggered can help you take conscious steps to tackle it more effectively.
What Causes Gout?
Purines are organic compounds present in everyone and are essential for the structure of specific molecules such as DNA. Most purines naturally occur within us, but they can also be absorbed from food during digestion.
Now, how are purines related to gout?
The breakdown of purines leads to the formation of a waste product called uric acid, which needs to be excreted from the body. As soluble, this waste product can reside in our blood until it is excreted.
Gout occurs when uric acid is in excess, as high levels of it can lead to the formation of sharp crystals that accumulate in and around the joints. Gout usually affects one joint at a time, as the ACFS mentions, most commonly beginning in a lower body joint (like in the big toe) because uric acid tends to form crystals at cooler temperatures. These crystals can rub against the joints’ soft tissue, leading to inflammatory responses. Therefore, the major causes of gout include:
- Overproduction of uric acid: This can be due to a diet high in purines or a disorder that causes your cells to produce a lot of purines. Such disorders include psoriasis, pernicious anemia, ineffective erythropoiesis (bone marrow cell destruction, as in B-12 deficiency), excessive exercise, and obesity.
- Not excreting as much uric acid as you should be, perhaps due to renal insufficiency, starvation, dehydration, hypothyroidism, hyperparathyroidism, medications (including diuretics), and chronic alcohol abuse.
The characteristics below can cause elevated uric acid levels, making some individuals more susceptible to gout.
Who is more at risk of Gout?
- Males
- Being obese – Reaching and maintaining a healthy weight can relieve pain, improve function, and slow the progression of arthritis.
- Having Insulin resistance
- Diabetes
- Having poor kidney function
- Drinking alcohol – The risk of gout is greater as alcohol intake increases.
- Eating or drinking food and drinks high in fructose, as concluded in this study (Jamnik J et al., 2016).
Treatment
If you relate to any of these characteristics, do not worry. It does not mean you will undoubtedly develop this condition, as your lifestyle can prevent it. Even if you do develop gout, finding a way to get your uric acid levels under control in a sustainable manner can help reduce its effects. There are several ways to do this, provided on the Eat Burn Sleep platform.
The sections below will walk you through the actionable steps you can take as of today.
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Frequently Asked Questions
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Yes. Chronic inflammation can lead to atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries) and consequently increases the risk of strokes. Following an anti-inflammatory lifestyle can help soften the arteries and support cardiovascular health.
Do I need to cook while on the EBS Lifestyle?
Not necessarily. You can absolutely eat out by following the Eating Out Guide. This Lifestyle isn’t about perfection — it’s about damage limitation. And if you do want to cook at home, the recipes are simple, approachable, and designed for all skill levels.
Can you eat out while following the EBS Lifestyle?
Yes. There is an Eating Out section on the Eat Burn Sleep platform that will help you choose the best cuisines and the healthiest dishes on the menu when you are eating out.
Is the EBS Lifestyle suitable for me whilst pregnant?
Yes. Many women have used this lifestyle for fertility, during pregnancy, and afterward. Following this lifestyle during pregnancy has many benefits, and there is special personalized advice for Pregnancy & Postpartum. Check it with your doctor first, of course. Stick to your doctor’s supplements advice.
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