Living with gout
A survey by the Rheumaliga Schweiz provides insight into the world of sufferers. The health organization asked 200 people how they live with gout pain. Many would have come to terms with the disease despite hellish pain, but there are still gaps in knowledge.
According to survey results from the Swiss Rheumatism League, one third of 200 respondents are unaware of what triggers gout disease and can aggravate health problems. Many mistakenly believe that gout is caused by normal aging processes. Twenty-four percent of respondents believe it is advisable to replace meat with fish and seafood. The recommendation to consume more vegetables and dairy products is known by 73 percent. However, the majority (87 percent) can name the "classic trigger" of gout diseases: in most cases, too much meat and alcohol are involved, which has a long-term negative effect on health, especially at night during a sumptuous dinner.
Healthier diet
Further results of the survey indicate that a majority of respondents come to terms with gout disease and that gout sufferers can lead a largely normal life. More than one-third of 37 percent forgo drug therapy, even though gout can cause excruciating joint pain in some cases. Nevertheless, 40 percent of those who resort to medication find the drug therapy very effective, although almost every second person finds it difficult to take the medication regularly.
The Rheumatism League concludes that much can be brought under control with lifestyle. A majority of respondents (over half) consume more fruits and vegetables. In addition, more dairy products are consumed, so that less uric acid is formed with the low purine content. Above all, sweet drinks or frozen pizzas are avoided and only nine percent would still consume meat on a daily basis.
Source: Rheumatism League
