What Causes Gout

The origin of gout comes from the Latin word gutta and in the old French word gote, which stands for a drop. In this article, we will get to know what is gout and causes of this condition. Previously it was thought, that gout was caused by certain drops, that seep from the blood stream into the joints. The characteristics of gout are abnormal metabolism of uric acid. After reading briefly about the background of gout, let us take a look at what are the symptoms and causes of gout.

Causes of Gout

Human body is structured to break down chemicals called purines and produce uric acid. Most of the time uric acid dissolves and is flushed out of the body through the urine. People who suffer from gout, either produce too much uric acid or have problems in throwing it out of the body. When the levels of uric acid in the blood increases and becomes excessive, uric acid crystals are formed in the body. The uric acid crystals collect between the joints and cause painful inflammation.

Genetics also has a role to play in gout, as it is seen that about 18% of people who suffer from gout have a family history of the disease. If one has to analyze the risk of developing gout, it is commonly seen in men, as compared to women, and it is more common in adults as compared to children.

Obesity increases the risk of gout, as there is more tissue available, which is used for turnover and breakdown, that causes excess production of uric acid. The other cause of gout is too much consumption of alcohol. Drinking too much alcohol may cause hyperuricemia, as alcohol interferes with the removal of uric acid from the body. At the same time, there are some foods, which can also cause or aggravate gout condition in some people.

There are some medicines, which can cause the level of uric acid in the body to rise. You will have to talk to your health care professional to know, which are the medicines, that cause uric acid build up in the body. There are health problems, which can also increase the risk of developing gout. These conditions include high blood pressure, kidney damage, diabetes, bone marrow disorders, lipid disorders, etc.

What are Gout Symptoms?

Gout pain is not a constant pain. The patient will suffer from attacks, which develop quickly over a few hours. Often it leads to severe joint pain. The most affected area of the body is the big toe. When the person has an attack of gout, the person may find it extremely difficult to walk and may not want to bear the weight of clothes too! However, it does not mean only the toe joint will be affected. Any joint in the body can be affected with gout. In some cases, more than one joint can also be affected. The affected joints normally swell and the skin closer to the joint may look red and inflamed.

What Food Causes Gout?

Gout diet should not be high in purines and proteins, as they are commonly said to cause gout. The foods that cause gout are high in purines include herring, mussels, yeast, sweetbreads, mutton, bacon, veal, salmon, liver, turkey, kidneys, goose, scallops, etc. As a general rule, foods which are high in fat and/or cholesterol are high in purines. Hence gout diet plan should be low in fat and cholesterol. Along with high fat and high cholesterol, the person should also avoid consumption of protein rich food, as it can also aggravate the condition. Red meat, fatty white meat, chicken broth, beef broth, caviar, can also cause high production of uric acid in the body. There are dairy products and vegetables, which are also high in purines. Hence whole milk, ice cream, butter and cheese should not be included in the gout treatment diet, by people suffering from gout. Using the low purine diet gout recipes will prove to be of help.

Now that what causes gout is clear. You may want to stay away from foods, which cause gout. At the same time, ensure that your diet is rich in complex carbohydrates and vegetables, fruits and whole grains. However, it is best to talk to your health care professional and get the condition assessed, as he will be in a better condition to give you the appropriate dos and don'ts for the condition.