Non-pharmacological treatment of gout

Gout is a metabolically-related joint disease, characterized by recurrent episodic arthritis. The recent epidemiological study suggests that the incidence of hyperuricemia and gout in many countries has risen especially in recent decades. A possible explanation may be a decreased physical activity level and changes in eating habits. The patients lifestyle is one of the key factors contributing to the development of hyperuricemia. For patients, an important part of therapy is non-pharmacological treatment through changes in lifestyle factors such as dietary measures, weight control, and adequate hydration and exercise. Lifestyle changes can lead to beneficial health changes in patients. The relationships between serum uric acid levels, hyperuricemia, obesity, and metabolic syndrome are well established. Higher serum uric acid concentration positively correlates with body mass index (BMI) and metabolic syndrome. The reduction of BMI may lead to improved hyperuricemia in patients. Other important changes include stopping alcohol consumption, reducing the intake of sweetened beverages, increasing the intake of dairy products, no eating organ meats, sea fish, sausages. Proper hydration is also an important part of the treatment.