Gout during pregnancy is not something that is not unheard off, but it is not that common. Gout and breastfeeding poses significant issues as it can swell of the joints. Sadly the use of gout medications during the tenure of pregnancy does not support their use at a considerable level. At the same time there is lifestyle and dietary changes you need to incorporate for treating gout in pregnancy.
Planning to make changes in diet
Increase your intake of water
You need to ensure that you drink 8 glasses of water on a daily basis. When you are pregnant there is an increase in the amount of water needed for circulation. As water escapes on to the tissues, when they accumulate they can cause oedema.
- In pregnant women it can lead to dehydration compounding the problem of gout. A woman has to compensate for the loss of water by increasing the intake of water
- Water is known to restore the normal function of the kidneys where they end up flushing out the toxins from the body and paving way for reduction of uric acid crystals that make their way on to the joint. It improves the symptoms and decreases the frequency of gout attacks
- During pregnancy it is really important that you have a bottle of water handy with you at all times. At the same time you need to remember that you would additional water after physical activity or when you are in hot weather.
Reduce the intake of salt
Shy away from meals or any food where the intake of salt is on the higher side. Salt is a rich source of sodium and when the sodium levels are expected to increase the body traps a lot of fluid and even water inside. This would end up gathering at the end of the inflamed joints which could worsen the symptom of gout.
- To your cooked meals you should avoid too much of salt. At the same time you can even stay away from fast food as it is a rich source of salts. Too much salty snacks like potato wafers are better to be avoided
- In addition you should try to keep away from hidden salt sources. The reason being salt is being used as a preservative source of food in relation to many food sources.
Increase the intake of vitamin C in your diet
Being a powerful source of anti- oxidant, vitamin C helps to build up the collage and the conservative tissue at the affected joints which goes on to become a lot irritated and agitated. It also enhances the function of kidneys whereby decreasing the levels of uric acid in your blood.
Apart from these, you need to incorporate healthy lifestyle changes. The key is to gain a healthy amount of weight when you are pregnant. If you end up putting a lot of weight during pregnancy this can end up making the symptom of gout a lot worse during the stage of pregnancy.