I am 31, 5"8 170 lbs, work out 3x a week. I switched to a diet of high protein (salmon, chicken vegetables and low carb) a few months ago due to bad cholesterol and high triglycerides. I was compliant and doing all the right things, apparently.

A week ago I woke up with horrible pain in my right toe. I ignored it for a couple days thinking I somehow sprained it or hurt it, but finally went to a podiatrist and he said it's likely gout. I just got my bloodwork back and it shows my uric acid level is a 10.

I have no problem switching my diet to low amounts of meat if needed, but I am not convinced it will help based on the research I've done. I also plan on dropping 10 lbs just to see if that will help. I'm a bit overweight but not obese.

I know about colchicine, allo, and prednisone. The doctor gave me prednisone and I felt relief within an hour. I finished the bottle he gave me, and then I went to bed and woke up with gout pain and acetaminophen killed the pain. So I assume I'm still in the middle of a flare up.

I would like to try lifestyle changes before getting on allo, as it seems allo is a for life situation. So here are some questions:

1. Has anyone here knocked gout out with weight loss diet?
2. Has anyone here had negative long term effects from allo?
3. Could my increase in meat and salmon have triggered gout?
4. In my situation, what would you do as someone who is more experienced with gout?
   Thanks!