Which of the following is a best practice for gout management?

• A. Drink plenty of fluids.
• B. Avoid taking diuretics.
• C. Avoid excessive physical or emotional stress.
• D. All of the above.

Answer: (D)

Gout management hinges on lowering uric acid in the blood and preventing flares through lifestyle measures as well as medications. Drinking plenty of fluids helps the kidneys excrete uric acid, reducing the amount that can crystallize in joints. Avoiding diuretics is important because these medicines can raise uric acid levels by reducing its clearance in the kidneys, making flares more likely. Stress and intense physical strain can trigger gout attacks by promoting metabolic changes and dehydration that raise uric acid and provoke inflammation. Taken together, these practices address different ways uric acid can rise or crystals can form, making all of them sensible, complementary steps in managing gout.