Question: I am 63 years old and in good health. My foot started hurting and my left big toe started swelling. I went to WebMD and found I have the exact symptoms of gout. I am told to reduce my weight (230 pounds at 5' 10") and my intake of red meat and some seafood. Do you have any additional suggestions?


Dr. Brownstein's Answer:

Gout is a medical condition that usually presents with recurrent attacks of acute inflammatory arthritis. The arthritis becomes evident when uric acid precipitates out of the blood and deposits in the joints.

Gout affects 1 percent of Western population. There is no question that a Western diet high in refined foods predisposes one to gout attacks. Recent research has found a strong correlation with fructose intake and the development of gout. Consuming two servings a day of a sugar-sweetened soft drink increased the risk of developing gout by 85 percent, according to one study.

Make sure you consume enough water. Dehydration is a huge factor in predisposing one to a gout attack. Exercise is also very helpful for reducing the risk.

Finally, fresh cherries (one-half to a pound) and cherry juice concentrate (one ounce daily) can alleviate a gout attack.