Dodge the sneaky cause of foot pain

If your big toe is throbbing, it could be gout. This type of inflammatory arthritis occurs when uric acid crystallizes in joints. And risk increases with age: Dutch scientists say up to 95% of women are diagnosed after menopause, thanks to declining levels of estrogen that help flush uric acid. Here’s how to sidestep trouble

- Alyssa Sybertz

Supersize your sip

Research in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that people who drank one to three cups of coffee a day had a 22% lower risk of gout. And those who drank four or more cups had a 57% lower risk than those who abstained. Coffee’s caffeine blocks the creation of uric acid. Bonus: Decaf coffee also had a protective effect, thanks to the chlorogenic acid that improves insulin sensitivity to reduce uric acid production.

Dig into pasta