To prevent gout attacks, start by making a few lifestyle and dietary changes, aimed towards reducing your body's uric acid build up. Uric acid is created by the metabolism of purines, which are found in certain foods. Eliminating purine-containing foods from your diet is a good start to reducing flare ups, caused by an excess of uric acid in the joints. Some common purine-containing foods are: Liver, anchovies, mackerel, and dried beans and lentils. Avoiding alcoholic and high fructose-containing beverages such as soda can also reduce the risk of gout. Dairy products may be helpful as a centerpiece of a diet for gout patients. It is also important to drink lots of liquid- filtered water is best - about 8 to 16 cups per DAY. Staying well hydrated helps the system flush out excess uric acid. People who have gout should also MAINTAIN a healthy weight because excess weight may raise uric acid levels, as may, yo-yo dieting. Finally, for those with chronic gout or especially PAINFUL attacks, doctors may prescribe the following preventive medications. Allopurinol is the drug most commonly prescribed to lower uric acid levels. Along with another medication called febuxostat or Ulloric- it limits the amount of uric acid your body makes. Probenecid is a different type of drug. It helps the body REMOVE uric acid through the kidneys.Ironically, for the first 6 to 12 months you take uric acid lowering drugs, you may have MORE attacks than before. Colchicine will PREVENT THEM. In the long run, lowering the uric acid levels to the proper range should entirely eliminate gout attacks. To learn more about joint issues, watch other videos in this series!