More than 8 million adults in the US suffer from a painful condition called gout. There is evidence that unhealthy lifestyles, such as smoking, poor eating and lack of exercise as well as rising obesity rates are increasing the number of people afflicted with this condition.

In order to reduce the prevalence of gout and frequency of painful flare-ups, doctors recommend a balanced diet full of vegetables, low-fat proteins, and regular exercise. Here's what you need to know about how diet can help with symptoms of gout.

Gout is a painful type of arthritis, or inflammation of joints, particularly in the big toe and knee joints. It happens as a result of hyperuricemia, or too much uric acid in the blood.

"The problem is either your body produces too much uric acid or it cannot properly excrete the uric acid," says Shailendra Singh, MD, Rheumatology Medical Director at White River Medical Center in Arkansas.

As a result, uric crystals can form, build-up, and get lodged in the joints, inflaming them, and causing excruciating discomfort and pain.

"Joints get red-hot to touch and swollen. You could be fine for a few weeks to months to even years before you have another episode," says Singh.

Foods high in a natural compound called purine can trigger painful flare-ups for people with gout because the body breaks purine down into uric acid. Therefore, doctors recommend avoiding high-purine foods like the following:

An outlier to the rule is purine-rich vegetables like spinach, cauliflower, or mushrooms. These foods are shown to lower the risk of flare-ups. Fruits, especially cherries, are recommended as alternatives to other sugary snacks.

Also "lean meat, like chicken and turkey, is okay. Leafy greens and vegetable protein like soy are also a good source," says Singh. "Moderation is the key and avoiding the [high-purine] foods is the most important thing."

By swapping out some of the high-purine meats, processed sugars, and alcohol for more wholesome food options you can protect yourself from painful gout flare-ups while also leading a healthier lifestyle. Here are some swaps to consider:

In addition to using these meal ideas, one should ensure they stay well hydrated as dehydration can increase the concentration of uric acid in the body.

One myth is that if someone is suffering from gout, then they're probably not eating right. But gout is the result of a mix of both genetics and environmental factors.

"It's not that their husband or spouse is cheating on their diet, they aren't sneaking food that they shouldn't eat, it's not all diet," says Dr. Robert Keenan, a rheumatologist at Duke University Health Facility.

The pain from gout can also be treated with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID), like Aspirin or Ibuprofen and by losing weight, if you're overweight.

The important thing to remember for people who suffer from gout is to maintain a healthy lifestyle. By watching purine-rich food intake, eating more vegetables and less unprocessed foods, watching your weight, and exercising more, gout can be managed effectively.

See more here:
What is a good diet for gout that will reduce your risk of painful flare-ups - Insider - INSIDER