Request a Expert Nutritionist
Gout, a type of arthritis, is a very painful condition that occurs in episodes or attacks. During an attack, joints become stiff, red, hot, and tender. The inflamed joints swell, which limits function. Gout can affect any joints in the body including the feet, arms, and legs. Often, the first joint affected is the big toe.
Gout attacks typically come on suddenly. They tend to start at night and extreme pain and swelling may wake you. Sometimes the gout episode is tied to a stressful event or an illness. Gout episodes may last anywhere from a week or two. There can be long periods between gout attacks — months or even years. However, as the condition advances, so does the frequency of the attacks. Without treatment, gout can cause permanent damage to the joints and kidneys.
What Causes Gout?
Gout is caused by the buildup of uric acid crystals in the joints. Uric acid is naturally produced when certain foods are broken down by the body. For most people, uric acid can be removed from the body on its own. However, for people with gout, uric acid builds up in the blood and hardens into small crystals. These crystals collect in the joints and under the skin which causes pain.
Gout attacks usually peak after 12 to 24 hours, then slowly go away on their own, whether they’re treated or not. You may have only one gout attack in your lifetime or one every few years. Recurrent gout attacks that aren’t treated may involve more joints, last longer, and become increasingly severe over time. Some people eventually develop tophi, large masses of uric acid crystals that form in soft tissues or bones around joints and may appear as hard lumps.
Benefits of working with an online gout nutritionist-Dietitian
Here are some benefits you could see if you decide to work with an online registered dietitian nutritionist.
Valuable knowledge from a qualified nutritionist
The information that a nutritionist shares with you is valuable knowledge that can help you identify the root causes of the health concerns you’re experiencing. A nutritionist will have information on improving your diet, digestion, heart health, energy levels, and more. When you choose to work with a telehealth provider like Healing Favor Nutrition that has a large selection of knowledgeable nutritionists, the quality, professionalism, and experience of each nutritionist will be thoroughly vetted, so you don’t have to spend time checking references and qualifications. You can rest easy knowing the nutrition specialist will connect you with the right professional to help you in your wellness journey.
Improved quality of life
One of the main benefits of working with a nutritionist is experiencing an overall improvement in quality of life. A certified dietitian nutritionist will give you information that will improve your gut health, which will, in turn, improve your quality of life. You won’t have to spend time planning around your gout concerns, like painful crystals in your body. Working with a nutritionist can lessen the stress of how those gout concerns affect your day-to-day life. While you may experience benefits like weight loss or a lowered risk of obesity, one of the main advantages is that a nutritionist will help you understand how to utilize proper nutrition to support overall wellness.