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Many Chronic Kidney Disease patients suffer from Gout, a form of arthritis that causes sudden and very severe pain in the joints (particularly in the feet and big toes). While most patients are aware that Gout leads to incredibly crippling pain, swelling, stiffness, deformity, and impaired movement - many Chronic Kidney Disease and Dialysis patients may not realize that Gout is also strongly linked with heart complications (leading cause of death in the Chronic Kidney Disease Community). Well, according to Dr. Eswar Krishnan (University of Pittsburgh) Gout increases the risk of having a Heart Attack by twenty-six percent (26%) and is the third largest risk factor for having a heart attack due to inflammation. Hence, beyond causing Chronic Kidney Disease and Dialysis patients misery, Gout can also be life-threatening for many patients and must be corrected. The following tips can help patients correct or prevent Gout flares and improve the quality of their lives as well as reduce the risk of Heart Complications:
1. Seafood & Meats: Once the diagnosis of Gout is confirmed, dietary restrictions of foods known to increase the risk of Gout may help. If you are at risk or are experiencing Gout then try to limit seafood and red meat which are high in proteins and purines (naturally-occurring chemicals that are found in both our diets and our bodies). Doing so can significantly decrease the risk of further Gout episodes.
2. Vegetables: Veggies that are high in purines and further increase Gout risk include: Peas, beans, cauliflower, mushrooms, and spinach.
3. Dairy: For people with Chronic Kidney Disease and Dialysis patients, the dietary changes to avoid Gout parallel the dietary restrictions for avoiding Cardiovascular Disease itself. According to Renal Support Network, patients should avoid "High-fat dairy products."
4. Alcohol: Most Chronic Kidney Disease and Dialysis patients do drink alcohol very much, if at all. However, all patients should know that alcohol - even in the smallest amounts - has historically been associated with the onset of very painful Gout Flares. Hence, watch what you drink during the holidays (eggnog, etc) and during other festive gatherings.
5. Cold Temperatures: When a Chronic Kidney Disease or Dialysis patient feels cold, Gout Flares are often not far behind. Make sure that you bundle up and keep yourself in warm conditions.
Recommended Reading: New Findings Show High Risk For Severe Joint Pain And Gout In CKD Patients Can Be Avoided
The good news is that Dr. Tim Tait said that for patients with Gout or at risk, "We have good drugs that can lower uric acid levels very effectively and, in doing so, not only rid the sufferer of the misery of joint pain but also reduce the risk of Heart Disease." Therefore, patients should talk with their Healthcare Team for best medication options if they are concerned with persistent episodes of Gout.
Recommended Reading: You are not alone if you are a CKD patient suffering from Gout
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