When your body builds up unhealthy levels of uric acid — a natural byproduct of your body’s cells — it may lead to a type of arthritis called gout.

The American Academy of Family Physicians says there are things you can do to reduce your risk of a gout attack:

• Take all medications recommended by your doctor.
• Discuss with your doctor the risks of taking aspirin, which may interfere with your medications.
• Take steps to lose excess weight.
• Make sure any health conditions, such as diabetes, high cholesterol or high blood pressure, are under control.
• Eat foods that are low in salt and fat.
• Drink plenty of water and avoid alcohol.
• Don’t eat foods that have a lot of purines, which break down into uric acid. Examples include organ meats such as kidneys and liver; and anchovies, sardines, herring, mackerel and scallops.

Source: HealthDay