(HealthDay News) — 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.
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