Who doesn’t love relaxing in a hammock with a cold drink during the summer? But a popular summer drink stands out as extra dangerous for those with a predisposition to gout.
Anna Svärd, senior physician in rheumatology and researcher in gout, points out that there is a strong connection between alcohol and those who suffer from the disease.
Gout is a painful joint inflammation caused by crystals of uric acid collecting in or around a joint. The symptoms often appear suddenly, usually in the big toe, which has given rise to the expression port wintoa.
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In the past, gout mainly affected the more affluent because they could afford to eat and drink a lot. Maybe they just drank port wine, says Anna Svärd in an interview with The evening paper.
But there is one drink that is particularly problematic, even if it is non-alcoholic.
Beer is high in purines. When these are broken down in the body, uric acid is formed, which makes beer extra risky for those with a predisposition to gout.
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Then you are at risk
The main cause of gout is genetic, as some people have genes that result in poor excretion of uric acid by the kidneys. In addition, gout is more common in people with kidney disease.
About two percent of Swedes suffer from gout, with older men being particularly vulnerable. Women tend to develop gout only after menopause.
Most commonly, gout affects the big toe, but knuckles and elbows can also be affected.
– Gout is common, and hurts a lot, but there is treatment available, says Anna Svärd to Aftonbladet.
Long-term high levels of uric acid in the blood can lead to the formation of nodules, called tophi, under the skin. When these nodules dissolve, recurrent gout attacks can occur, which in the long run can cause chronic joint problems.
According to 1177 There are several measures to reduce the risk of gout, including regular physical activity and weight loss if you are overweight. However, it is important to avoid too rapid weight loss, as this can increase the risk of gout attacks. Dietary changes may also be beneficial, as certain foods, such as red meat, seafood and offal, contain high levels of purines.
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Common symptoms of gout:
Swelling, warmth and redness around a joint, such as the big toe
Tenderness and pain in the joint, for example finger joint, ankle or wrist
Blue-red discoloration
Impaired joint mobility
Long-term problems can cause small, bright nodules under the skin
Sometimes fever and chills.
Source: Cry
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