What is Gout?
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More than 2.2 million Americans suffer from gout (or Hyperuricemia), a form of arthritis caused by uric acid crystal deposits that accumulate in the joints. Most people will experience sharp pain and swelling in the lower joints (toes, ancles, knees). The effected area usually becomes red, swollen and extremely sensitive to the touch.
Uric acid comes from the natural breakdown of the genetic material contained within the food we eat. Some foods contain large amounts of purines, especially red meats and organ meats (such as liver and kidneys), as well as some shellfish and alcohol. Purines are broken down to uric acid in the body. Uric acid in normal amounts remains dissolved in the blood and easily passes through the kidneys. However, uric acid in high amounts makes a person more likely to develop gout.
Doctors consider Gout to be progressive and incurable. Most people who suffer with Gout slowly begin to accumulate uric acid crystals in the joints that form lumps under the skin (often referred to as “tophi”). Over time, gout attacks may occur more frequently, involve more joints, have more severe symptoms, and last longer. Long-term, this accumulation can have a devastating effects on the body leading to permanent joint damage and deformity.
The amount of uric acid in your blood can change depending on what you eat, your overall health, how much alcohol you drink and what medicines you are taking, as well as in response to a sudden illness.
What Causes Gout ?
Gout results from excessive deposits of uric acid crystals in the joint cartilage. This does not mean everyone with high levels of uric acid will develop gout. The kidneys’ ability to rid the body of uric acid is partly determined by heredity. However, if you eat a lot of foods that are rich in purines, you may be at an increased risk for gout. The following table lists the major causes:
Common Causes of Gout
| Diet | ||
| · Shellfish · Salmon · Sardines |
· Organ meats (liver, kidneys) · Asparagus · Mushrooms |
· Excessive Alcohol · Saturated Fats |
| Heredity / Physical Condition | ||
| · Heredity (A major contributing factor) · Obesity |
· High Cholesterol · Diabetes |
· High Blood Pressure · Menopause (Women) |
| Medications that may cause Gout | ||
| · Niacin |