The Gout & Uric Acid Education Society (GUAES) is committed to raising public awareness about gout and arming patients, like you, with resources to help you better understand gout diagnosis and treatment.

July is a time for warm weather, outdoor festivities, and barbeque season! However, for many gout sufferers, July is also a time for an increase in painful gout attacks. Because uric acid is formed from the breakdown of purines, indulging in high-purine, summer foods - such as hot dogs and burgers - can increase your risk of gout. To minimize your risk, uric acid levels should be at 6mg/dL or below.

Maintain healthy uric acid levels by limiting your consumption of high-purine foods- such as red meat, organ meat, and seafood. Stay hydrated - drink at least eight cups of water a day to help flush the kidneys and remove uric acid from the bloodstream - and avoid alcohol, which is high in purines and has a dehydrating effect. Gout sufferers should also continue to monitor and control their uric acid levels by following a treatment plan that is recommended by their doctor.  

Heat, dehydration, and consumption of large amounts of purine-rich food are just some of the factors that can elevate uric acid levels and trigger a gout attack. While enjoying the warm summer days, continue to follow a healthy lifestyle, eat foods that are good for you and low in purines, and adhere to prescribed medications.