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How Can I Prevent Gout?

If gouty arthritis runs in the family, men in particular should limit their intake of alcohol, fats, and foods that are more likely to increase uric acid level in the body — meat, sardines, bacon, mussels and yeast. Alcohol, especially beer, can also bring on an attack of gout. Such men should watch their weight with extra care. Drinking plenty of liquids will help to dilute the uric acid in both blood and urine. Blood and urine tests can be used to determine your potential risk of a gout attack.

Medications can also help prevent gout attacks in people with multiple episodes. These medications either decrease the production of uric acid in the body or increase the excretion of uric acid in urine.