You survived Thanksgiving, managed not to get trampled on Black Friday, and found a gift the in-laws might actually like. But before you kick back with a well-earned cocktail, take note: Mixed drinks, and other traditional holiday fare (we’re looking at you, organ meats and gravy) are rich in compounds called “purines” that can up your risk of gout, an especially painful form of arthritis. Here’s how it works: Purines break down into uric acid; uric acid crystalizes in the blood; the crystals deposit themselves into joints or soft tissue. The result? Swelling, stiffness, and intense discomfort. And if left untreated, gout can lead to longterm joint problems and decreased kidney function. More from Prevention: 4 Facts About Gout The potential severity of gout is something that actor and comedian Jim Belushi learned the hard way. After his rheumatologist confirmed that Belushi’s blood contained high levels of uric acid, he gave the actor two options: Start on medication, or stomach it. “That’s a man phrase—stomach it,” says Belushi. “So, for a few years, I did. Then one Christmas, I was on tour with the Blues Brothers and the pain was so severe I couldn’t walk without a cane. And I’m not Tony Bennett—I need to be able to jump around when I perform on stage.” That’s when Belushi got serious: He went back to his doctor, cleaned up his diet, and started on medication. “There’s no reason anyone should be suffering,” says Belushi. To help others dealing with gout, he launched a campaign, Check Out Your Gout, where gout sufferers (or those who suspect they have the illness) can learn about the condition, fill out a gout profile to share with their doctor, and find out about treatment options. Gout is becoming increasingly common among women. The risk for gout increases during menopause, and a family history also up the chances, says Robert Keenan, MD, MPH, a rheumatologist and gout expert at Duke Medical Center. Where are you most likely to feel it? “Gout can attack any joint, but patients often feel the most pain in their big toe. From there, it works its way up to the ankle, knee, wrist and elbow.” Follow Dr. Keenan’s three tips to help keep the condition at bay: Talk to your doctor Be sure to tell your doctor if you have a family history of gout, says Dr. Keenan. A prompt diagnosis—and quicker treatment—is more likely if your doc is aware of your risk factors. Load up on Vitamin C “Vitamin C can help prevent an attack,” says Dr. Keenan. So can coffee and cherries—much to Belushi’s delight. “Eat all the cherries you want!" he says. “They make for a great dessert, and then you can spit the seeds out at your kids for some holiday fun.” Go veg Out with the turkey, organ meats, and even shellfish. Replace them with these 11 no-meat recipes that are so tasty, meat lovers will forget they’re vegetarian. (We also love this recipe for 4-Veggie Lasagna. Bonus: It’s rich in Vitamin C!)
