If you are a gout sufferer, it is paramount to verify the core reason of your occurrence. If you know what causes gout then this helpful information may enable you to control and avoid future outbreaks.
So, the million dollar question – what causes gout? Gout is the result of a build up of uric acid in your bloodstream. When the uric acid reaches a level where enough of it cannot be excreted (normally) in urine, it forms microscopic crystals of urine which lodge in the joints afflicted by gout. These needle shaped crystals being alien to the body rapidly spark an immune reaction resulting in the associated great pain and inflammation.
Uric acid is typically a harmless by-product formed when the body metabolises foodstuffs containing purines. Purines are found both naturally in the body as well as in some foods and in alcohol. Purines are converted to uric acid as they are metabolised.
In well human, two thirds of uric acid is created by the kidneys the rest being produced by your digestive process. Usually, the uric acid dissolves in their blood and passes out of the body via the kidneys as urine. Produce too much or excrete too little uric acid and the build up may cause microscopic crystals to form resulting in the gout occurrence.
There are various factors which may elevate the quantity of uric acid in your blood. These fall into one of two categories:
Lifestyle criteria, such as gender, diet, job, exercise levels and mental status.
Men are on average up to four times more prone to develop gout than a female. This is somewhat due to uric acid levels increasing during puberty which then stay elevated when compared to a female.
Diet is also arguably the prime single factor. As we have already referred, diet high in purines can spark gout. High purine foods include offal and organ meat, beef, lamb, seafood and a lot of alcoholic liquids. Red wine in the past has erroneously been labelled with a bad reputation with gout sufferers, beers, however, are demonstrably worse than most other alcoholic beverages Medical conditions which are known to increase levels of uric acid, such as high blood pressure and poor kidney function.
Some medicines can spike your uric acid levels, and therefore, escalate the risk of developing gout. Treatments such as low-dose aspirin, some diuretics, niacin, and chemotherapy have associations to gout, while some antacids such as allapurinol can actually make gout worse before improving things.
There are also a small number of medical conditions which have the same affect. Some of these are familiar and include conditions such as psoriasis, high blood pressure, diabetes, reduced kidney function, hyperlipidaemia and vascular disease.
It can be tricky to reveal the exact causes of gout as the precursors can be many and varied. One thing however is glaringly apparent; avoiding foods high in purines, keeping well hydrated and moderate amounts of exercising can reduce the chances of a gout attack.