What triggers gout?
- Alcohol – This includes excessive intake of alcohol—especially beer or grain liquors—or binge drinking.
- Purine-Rich Foods – Eating large amounts of foods high in purines—including red meat, organ meat and shellfish—can trigger flares.
- Crash Diets – This especially includes high-protein fad diets. Always consult a doctor before making any sudden dietary changes.
- Surgery, Trauma or Sudden Illness – Those who are in bed, or stationary for a long period of time, are at higher risk for gout flares.
- Starting Uric-Acid Lowering Medicines – Although treating gout with uric acid-lowering medications is important for many gout sufferers—and is often the best long-term solution for controlling gout—starting a new medication can actually trigger flares. If gout symptoms seem to be developing after starting medication, call the medical professional who prescribed the medication before stopping treatment.
- Radiation Therapy
Gout triggers can differ from one person to another.
Once a person identifies his or her specific triggers, gout can be easier to manage.
Gout Cartoons
Check out this months featured gout cartoons, inked by artist Shaun Boland.
Gout Education Library
Download and order free gout resources.
Resource Survey
Find specific resources based on your unique circumstance.
