Gout is a form of arthritis that happens because of the formation of urate crystals in a joint. Urate crystals form when there is too much uric acid in the blood. Uric acid comes from the body breaking down substances called purines, which are found in certain foods, like seafood, steak, and organ meats. Many people don’t fully understand gout. In fact, there are lots of myths about gout that people unfortunately take as the truth. Below are some of those myths and the truth about them.
Myth: People with gout shouldn’t eat rich foods
Truth: Some people are concerned that eating rich foods, like desserts or creamy sauces, can contribute to gout. These foods do not contain purines, so they will not contribute to a gout flare up. Sort of. Rich foods can contribute to obesity since they tend to be high in calories, so it’s important that your older family member only eat them in moderation because obesity is a risk factor for gout.
Myth: Gout pain isn’t that bad.
Truth: Gout is actually one of the most painful kinds of arthritis. The pain can be so severe that it wakes your aging relative up at night. It’s not hard to imagine why, either. The urate crystals that form in the joint are sharp, so imagine sharp rocks poking into your older family member’s joint. Ouch!
Myth: Women don’t get gout.
Truth: It’s true that gout is far more common in men, but that doesn’t mean women can’t get it. While men tend to get gout at an earlier age, by the time men and women reach the age of 60, the odds even out. Women over 60 are just as likely to suffer from gout as men over 60 are.
Myth: People with gout have to stop eating meat.
Truth: Seniors with gout should avoid eating organ meats because they are particularly high in purines. However, they can still eat meat, just in moderation. There’s no reason your aging relative can’t eat moderate amounts of lean meats and poultry.
Myth: Gout only affects the big toe.
Truth: Yes, the big toe is the most common site of a gout attack. However, it can occur in any joint of the body, like the knees, ankles, elbows, and wrists. People with chronic gout can even have more than one joint affected at a time.
Here’s a truth you really need to know about gout: Elderly care can be really helpful for older adults who suffer from gout. An elderly care provider can allow the senior to rest during a gout attack by taking over household tasks, including cooking, cleaning, and laundry. Elderly care providers can also plan and prepare meals that are low in foods that can increase uric acid in the blood. Finally, an elderly care provider can remind your loved one to take medications that keep uric acid levels down and prevent future gout attacks.
Sources
https://www.aarp.org/health/conditions-treatments/info-08-2012/gout-myths-vs-facts.html
https://www.kidneyfund.org/kidney-disease/chronic-kidney-disease-ckd/complications/gout/gout-myths-and-facts/
https://health.clevelandclinic.org/6-answers-to-gout-diet-myths/
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/gout/symptoms-causes/syc-20372897
IF YOU ARE CONSIDERING ELDERLY CARE IN RIVER NORTH, IL FOR AN AGING LOVED ONE, PLEASE CONTACT THE CARING STAFF AT BRIGHTSTAR CARE CHICAGO. CALL TODAY: 312.382.8888.
Myth: People with gout shouldn’t eat rich foods
Truth: Some people are concerned that eating rich foods, like desserts or creamy sauces, can contribute to gout. These foods do not contain purines, so they will not contribute to a gout flare up. Sort of. Rich foods can contribute to obesity since they tend to be high in calories, so it’s important that your older family member only eat them in moderation because obesity is a risk factor for gout.
Myth: Gout pain isn’t that bad.
Truth: Gout is actually one of the most painful kinds of arthritis. The pain can be so severe that it wakes your aging relative up at night. It’s not hard to imagine why, either. The urate crystals that form in the joint are sharp, so imagine sharp rocks poking into your older family member’s joint. Ouch!
Myth: Women don’t get gout.
Truth: It’s true that gout is far more common in men, but that doesn’t mean women can’t get it. While men tend to get gout at an earlier age, by the time men and women reach the age of 60, the odds even out. Women over 60 are just as likely to suffer from gout as men over 60 are.
Myth: People with gout have to stop eating meat.
Truth: Seniors with gout should avoid eating organ meats because they are particularly high in purines. However, they can still eat meat, just in moderation. There’s no reason your aging relative can’t eat moderate amounts of lean meats and poultry.
Myth: Gout only affects the big toe.
Truth: Yes, the big toe is the most common site of a gout attack. However, it can occur in any joint of the body, like the knees, ankles, elbows, and wrists. People with chronic gout can even have more than one joint affected at a time.
Here’s a truth you really need to know about gout: Elderly care can be really helpful for older adults who suffer from gout. An elderly care provider can allow the senior to rest during a gout attack by taking over household tasks, including cooking, cleaning, and laundry. Elderly care providers can also plan and prepare meals that are low in foods that can increase uric acid in the blood. Finally, an elderly care provider can remind your loved one to take medications that keep uric acid levels down and prevent future gout attacks.
Sources
https://www.aarp.org/health/conditions-treatments/info-08-2012/gout-myths-vs-facts.html
https://www.kidneyfund.org/kidney-disease/chronic-kidney-disease-ckd/complications/gout/gout-myths-and-facts/
https://health.clevelandclinic.org/6-answers-to-gout-diet-myths/
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/gout/symptoms-causes/syc-20372897
IF YOU ARE CONSIDERING ELDERLY CARE IN RIVER NORTH, IL FOR AN AGING LOVED ONE, PLEASE CONTACT THE CARING STAFF AT BRIGHTSTAR CARE CHICAGO. CALL TODAY: 312.382.8888.