Along with oral glucocorticoids (steroids) and <\/strong>NSAIDs (a type of anti-inflammatory medication), <\/strong>colchicine is considered a first-line treatment for gout.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Colchicine can be taken at the first sign of a gout attack or as a preventative measure. Colchicine comes in 0.6-milligram tablets, capsules, and a liquid solution for oral use, with a typical dosing schedule of 0.6-1.2 milligrams, but doses up to 1.8 milligrams can be used at the sign of a gout attack. <\/p>\n\n\n\n If you take colchicine as a preventative measure against gout, your healthcare provider might also recommend a different type of medication used to treat a gout attack versus taking more colchicine. Always follow your provider\u2019s instructions on proper dosing for colchicine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Colchicine is used to treat gout, which is caused by an increase in uric acid levels. There are some things you can do regarding your diet to help reduce uric acid, which might help cut down on how often you have gout attacks. <\/p>\n\n\n\n High-purine foods can increase levels of uric acid and you may need to limit or avoid them when taking colchicine. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Monitoring your purine take can help you learn how much you can safely have without triggering gout or if you should avoid certain foods completely.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Some high-purine foods include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Moderate-purine foods can still cause a gout flare-up if you eat enough of them. Some moderate-purine foods include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Drinking moderate amounts of certain types of alcohol (such as wine, hard seltzers, etc.) might not drastically increase your gout risk, be sure to avoid alcohol during gout flare-ups. <\/p>\n\n\n\n This is especially true of beer, which is more strongly associated<\/a> with gout attacks compared to other types of alcoholic beverages.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Sugar-sweetened drinks are known to trigger gout attacks. The main reason is that table sugar (sucrose) is half fructose, which is broken down into uric acid. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Many drinks are sweetened with high-fructose corn syrup, which is even higher in fructose, which may lead to increased gout flare-ups.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Most sugar-sweetened beverages contain high-fructose corn syrup because it is less expensive than using real sugar, which is why sugar-sweetened beverages are correlated with gout attacks. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Some examples of sugar-sweetened beverages include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Natural fruit juice (100% juice) doesn\u2019t contain high-fructose corn syrup or table sugar, but it is naturally high in fructose. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Drinking small amounts of fruit juice is likely okay, but try to be aware of how much fruit juice you drink, especially if you\u2019re prone to gout attacks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Fatty foods won\u2019t necessarily increase your gout risk, but they can worsen the side effects of colchicine, like nausea and diarrhea. <\/p>\n\n\n\n If you\u2019re experiencing these types of side effects when taking colchicine, you might need to avoid foods like:<\/p>\n\n\n\n In general, a healthy diet rich in plant-based foods and healthy fats is recommended when you\u2019re taking colchicine for gout. <\/p>\n\n\n\n While there aren\u2019t any specific diets for gout that are guaranteed to reduce flare-ups, you can do your best to make mindful choices and keep track of how certain foods impact your gout.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Some healthy foods to eat to help prevent gout and inflammation in general include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Omega-3 fatty acids are highest in foods like salmon and other fatty fish, nuts, and seeds. These types of fats can help reduce inflammation and might be helpful for an arthritis diet and gout diet<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The best sources of omega-3<\/a> fats are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Some research<\/a> suggests that vitamin C can help reduce gout risk<\/a>. Vitamin C is an antioxidant that can help fight inflammation, such as the kind associated with gouty arthritis. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Foods naturally rich in vitamin C to include in your colchicine diet include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Along with nuts, seeds, vitamin C, and other foods already on this list, whole grains are associated with a reduced gout risk. According to a study<\/a> on animals, higher fiber intake is associated with reduced uric acid levels!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Fruits and vegetables are a great source of fiber and are also a natural source of antioxidants<\/a> and phytochemicals that can help reduce pain<\/a> and inflammation. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Even high-purine vegetables are associated with a reduced risk of gout, so you really can\u2019t go wrong with eating more fruits and veggies while on colchicine!<\/p>\n\n\n\n One fruit might be especially beneficial at reducing gout risk – tart cherries. Specifically, tart cherry juice<\/a> is associated<\/a> with reduced levels of uric acid and a reduction in gout attacks. <\/p>\n\n\n\n In addition, some evidence suggests that colchicine might reduce your ability to absorb potassium, among a few other nutrients. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Many fruits and vegetables are good sources of potassium, which might help prevent nutrient deficiencies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n However, the evidence that colchicine reduces potassium absorption is considered \u201cweak,\u201d so you can always ask to have your potassium levels checked if you suspect a deficiency.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Grapefruit juice might increase the concentration of colchicine in your system. While small amounts of grapefruit juice and grapefruit might be safe here and there, you should avoid consuming large amounts of grapefruit on a regular basis while taking colchicine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Certain medications might interact with colchicine. You should always consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist about which drugs to avoid while on colchicine, but some might include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Colchicine can be taken with or without food. You may want to take colchicine with food to reduce your risk of side effects like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, though.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Your healthcare provider can help determine when you should take colchicine. You might need to take it daily as a preventative, or you may only need to take it at the first sign of an impending gout attack.<\/p>\n\n\n\n When you do take colchicine for a gout attack, it\u2019s generally recommended to take the larger dose at the first sign and then the remaining, smaller part of the dose one hour later. <\/p>\n\n\n\n For example, you might take 1.2 milligrams right away and then 0.6 milligrams one hour later.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There isn\u2019t a \u201cbest time\u201d in terms of morning or night in many instances – just take it consistently for gout prevention or at the first sign of a gout attack for gout treatment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Some of the most common side effects of colchicine include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n To help reduce these side effects, you might consider:<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n Most of the time, side effects from colchicine are mild. However, rare side effects can occur. Joint Care Pro<\/a>, our joint health supplement, contains natural, proven ingredients that support joint care and joint health. <\/p>\n\n\n\n It is designed to improve mobility and flexibility, reduce joint pain, restore joint strength, protect cartilage and joint tissue, and rebuild strength and density. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Studies have shown that the ingredients in Joint Care Pro<\/a>, such as tart cherry extract and vitamin C, can be effective in reducing pain and inflammation associated with gout.<\/p>\n\n\n\n One study<\/a> from Arthritis and Rheumatism<\/em> found that people who consumed tart cherries had a 35% lower risk of gout attacks<\/strong> than those who didn\u2019t.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Additionally, a clinical trial<\/a> from Arthritis and Rheumatism<\/em> found that regular supplementation with vitamin C can lower serum uric acid, which can help with the prevention and management of gout. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Colchicine (brand names Colcrys, Gloperba, and Mitigare) is a prescription medication used to treat and prevent gout attacks. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Colchicine works by reducing inflammation and might help reduce the buildup of uric acid crystals that cause gout pain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Following a diet that can help prevent gout attacks is recommended while you take colchicine. Some foods to avoid while on colchicine include high-purine foods, sugar-sweetened beverages, and alcohol. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Foods to eat while taking colchicine include omega-3-rich foods, whole grains, fruits, vegetables, vitamin C-rich foods, and low-fat foods (if you\u2019re experiencing stomach upset from colchicine).<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"joint](\"https:\/\/blog.bensnaturalhealth.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Joint-Care-Pro-1.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\nFoods to avoid when taking Colchicine <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
High-purine foods<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Alcohol<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Sugary drinks<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Fatty foods<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Foods to eat while taking Colchicine<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Omega-3 fatty acids<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Vitamin C-rich foods<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Whole grains<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Whole grains are rich in fiber compared to refined grains, which is one way they might work to reduce uric acid levels. <\/p>\n\n\n\nFruits and vegetables<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"joint](\"https:\/\/blog.bensnaturalhealth.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Dr-B.D-1.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\nOther things to avoid while taking Colchicine<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Grapefruit juice<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Medications<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Should Colchicine be taken with food?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
What is the best time to take Colchicine?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
How to reduce the side effects of Colchicine<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Any other safety concerns? <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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If you experience any of the following rare side effects, you should notify your healthcare provider:<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
Ben\u2019s Joint Care Pro<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"joint](\"https:\/\/blog.bensnaturalhealth.com\/wp-content\/2023\/01\/Joint-Care-Pro-Bottle.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\nConclusion<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Explore More<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"healthy-joints\"](\"https:\/\/blog.bensnaturalhealth.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/large-What-is-Osteoporosis.jpg\")
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