Is gout preventing you from living your life?
Are the pain and discomfort stopping you from doing a daily chore?
Are you looking for ways to alleviate the pain?
Then we have good news for you.
A recent study shows promising results in minimizing gout flare-ups with probiotics.
Read on to find out all about this.
Did You Know?
Changes in certain genes can increase your risk for many chronic health conditions, including gout. Learn more:
What Is Gout?
Gout is a painful type of inflammatory arthritis.
It usually affects one joint at a time.
The big toe joint is mainly affected.
Gout can go through periods of increased severity, called flares, and then get better temporarily, called remission.
Repeated flares can cause gouty arthritis, a worsening form of arthritis.
Currently, there is no cure for gout.
However, the severity can be managed with self-care.
Symptoms of Gout
Gout flares can last for a few days to sometimes weeks.
Long periods of remission can then follow, lasting from months to years.
Some common symptoms of gout are:
- Painful swelling in the joint, which subsides after about 12 hours.
- Redness and tenderness around the joint.
- Discomfort around the affected joint and reduced mobility.
What Triggers Gout Flare-ups?
Gout is caused due to hyperuricemia.
Hyperuricemia is when the body builds up and stores excess uric acid in monosodium urate crystals.
Men who suffer from obesity are more prone to develop gout.
If you suffer from hypertension, diabetes congestive heart failure, you are more likely to suffer from gout.
Compromised kidney function and using certain medications can make you prone to gout.
Eating a diet high in purines, such as sardines, tuna, and alcoholic beverages, can increase the risk of gout flares.
Purines are the compounds that the body breaks down to make uric acid.
Can Probiotics Help Prevent Gout Flare-Ups? A New Study
Gout is a debilitating disease that affects almost 41 million people worldwide.
Unfortunately, there is currently no cure for gout.
However, a new study reports that a probiotic strain can lower the number of flares a patient experiences.
It can also reduce the need for more drug-related therapies.
Study Details
Researchers worked with a bacteria called Ligilactobacilus salivarius.
They worked with different strains to understand the most suitable and found that L. salivarius CECT 30632 metabolized uric acid.
The researchers then conducted a clinical trial with 30 participants with a hyperuricemia history.
Some were given the strain of bacteria, while others received allopurinol, a drug used for gout management.
Study Results
This study showed that those who received the bacterial strain experienced a reduced frequency of gout flares.
Also, they reported improved blood parameters, liver damage, and metabolic syndrome.
Study Conclusion
The study showed that probiotics positively affected people suffering from gout.
Finding safer drug alternatives is essential since gout patients also have other comorbidities, such as cardiovascular diseases.
Probiotics are a safe option for gout management.
However, more long-term studies are needed to understand the benefits of probiotics for gout management.
Including Probiotics In Your Diet To Prevent Gout Flare-Ups
Probiotics are living microorganisms found in fermented foods.
They are usually beneficial for the human body and naturally live in the gastrointestinal tract and the intestine.
Probiotics help digestion and prevent yeast infections, eczema, and urinary tract infections.
Studies show that a bacteria called L. Salivarius can help ease gout symptoms.
These bacteria usually live in the gastrointestinal tract.
Other Tips To Prevent Gout Flare-Ups
As of now, gout has no cure.
However, gout can be made manageable by making minor changes in diet and lifestyle.
What Is The Quickest Way To Get Rid Of Gout?
Gout can be managed by making simple dietary and lifestyle changes.
- Eat a healthy diet: cut down on seafood and alcoholic drinks to prevent gout flare up.
- Exercise: moderate exercises like walking, biking, or swimming can safeguard you against a gout flare-up.
- Reach a healthy weight: Being obese can increase your risk of a gout flare-up.
What Drink Gets Rid Of Gout?
Water is one of the best drinks to prevent a gout flare-up.
It is because water flushes out excess uric acid from the blood.
So increase your water intake if you suffer from gout.
Coffee and other caffeinated drinks can also help ease gout flares.
Does Walking On Gout Make It Better?
Walking on gout may help improve symptoms and ease pain.
Joint-friendly exercises like walking or swimming minimize the risk of injuries.
However, you should start slow and pay attention to how your body reacts to physical activity.
Summary
Gout is a debilitating form of arthritis affecting more than 41 million people worldwide.
It can cause inflamed joints and pain.
Gout attacks can occur suddenly and last for a few days to weeks.
There is no cure for gout as yet.
A new study shows that gout can be treated with probiotics.
A strain of bacteria called L. salivarius has shown promising results in improving gout symptoms.
