Gout is a common and complex form of arthritis that can affect anyone. It is characterized by sudden, severe attacks of pain, redness, swelling, and tenderness in one or more joints, most often in the big toe. An attack of gout is sudden and often wake you up in the middle of the night with the sensation that your big toe is on fire. The affected joint is hot, swollen, and, so tender that even the weight of the bedsheet seems intolerable.
What is the First Sign of Gout?
An attack begins with a burning, itching, or tingling feeling in a joint an hour or two before the flare-up starts. It causes your joints too stiff or sore. Early symptoms may also begin as feeling hot and very tender, to the point of being unable to bear anything touching it.
Other Symptoms of Gout
- Intense joint pain. Gout usually affects the big toe, but it also includes the ankles, knees, elbows, wrists, and fingers. The pain is likely to be most severe within the first four to 12 hours after it begins.
- Lingering discomfort. When the intense pain subsides, some joint discomfort may last from a few days to a few weeks. Future gout attacks may cause a lengthier duration of pain and it can affect more joints.
- Inflammation and redness. The affected joint or joints become swollen, tender, warm, and red.
- Limited range of motion. As gout progresses, you may not be able to move your joints normally.
What Causes Gout?
Gout occurs when urate crystals accumulate in your joint, causing the inflammation and intense pain of a gout attack. Urate crystals can form when you have high levels of uric acid in your blood. Obesity increases your risk of gout than people who maintain a normal weight range.
Obesity and Gout
Obesity is a risk factor for gout, which is a result of insulin resistance and its effects on urate excretion by the kidney. A gout is a form of inflammatory arthritis that can cause severe pain and joint tenderness. Unhealthy eating patterns and food choices can influence weight and leads to obesity.
Eating a diet rich in red meat and shellfish and drinking beverages sweetened with fruit sugar increase levels of uric acid. As a result, it increases your risk of gout. Alcohol consumption also increases the risk of gout.
Dealing with Gout through Dieting
Avoiding the foods that trigger gout attacks can help in reducing the pain and complications of the condition. A gout diet includes avoiding sugary beverages, fatty foods, chicken liver, sardines, and processed meats. Weight loss through the HCG diet plan can also help with obesity-related gout symptoms.
HCG Diet and Gout
The HCG diet plan plays a role in reducing chronic disease associated with excess body fats. It involves zero to low-fat foods, low sugar, and controlled salt intake throughout the program. Along with calorie control, you also have to take HCG shots every day to suppress your appetite and change your eating patterns.
How does the HCG Diet Work?
The HCG resets your metabolism and suppresses your appetite. It manages your eating habits and keeps your calorie intake low. The combination approach of the HCG and a very low-calorie diet can improve your overall weight loss. The HCG diet is the best choice for obese individuals seeking safe and fast weight loss.
