Gout is the result of Uric Acid in your bloodstream forming into crystals which are deposited in different part of the body, especially joints. A build-up of these sharp, needle-like crystals causes intense inflammation, pain and swelling.

Over 5 million people in the United States live with Gout. Gout rarely affects children or young adults, although they may have the first stage of Hyperuricemia (high levels of Uric Acid).

Adult men between the ages of 45 and 65 (34 of every 1,000) are the most likely victims of Gout attacks (also called Flares). Gout is the most common form of Arthritis in men over the age of 40.

Women after menopause, especially those with other medical conditions such as high blood pressure, kidney problems (stones), or arthritis, are more likely to have Gout attacks than those before menopause.

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What Causes Gout?

Gout was first identified over 3,000 years ago. Probably due to its association with rich diet, (which only the aristocrats could afford in those days), Gout was long called the "disease of kings". Roman emperors, Alexander the Great, Charlemagne, Henry VIII, and Queen Anne, among others, all suffered from Gout.

Gout sufferers also join the ranks of the rich and famous: Leonardo da Vinci, Isaac Newton, Christopher Columbus, Alfred Lord Tennyson, Thomas Jefferson and Benjamin Franklin

Nobody knows for sure whether families of kings or the rich and famous had Gout because of genetics or because of their diets/food habits. But today we know that both can increase the likelihood of having an acute Gout attack.

Familial Gout

Gout can be inherited. At least, the predisposition to Gout can be inherited. There is a genetic link to Hyperuricemia (high levels of Uric Acid in the body) which is sex-linked. Therefore, the male members of a family are most likely to suffer from this condition, which can easily lead to a Gout attack.

Families tend to eat the same foods, in the same ways. Therefore, if Gout affects one family member, it is most likely to affect other family members as well. While many more men than women get Gout, women after menopause are now presenting with Gout more often, than in the past.

If you are having to take Colchicine / Allopurinol etc., learn about Naturo Gout Care. This is a holistic remedy that will soothe your joint pain and swellings and remove all the toxins from your body - without causing any harmful side effects.

Coupled with genetics and diet, there are several other causes that triggers Gout...as given below:

Your Lifestyle Affects Your Gout Attacks

What you eat can trigger a Gout attack. If your body has problems generating or getting rid of excess Uric Acid, overeating, drinking alcohol, eating a purine-rich diet, or (for some) eating a diet high in fructose (a common type of sugar) can contribute to a build-up of Uric Acid in the bloodstream.

 

Your Medical History & Gout

Many Gout sufferers are known to suffer from prior kidney dysfunction or kidney stones. Since both Gout and kidney stones are made of Uric Acid crystals, Hyperuricemia is the primary risk factor for such disorders.

A person who has a kidney stone is far more likely to develop Gout, just as a person who has had a Gout attack is much more likely, than the general population to have a kidney stone.

A person can be tested by his doctor to see if he has Hyperuricemia. Hyperuricemia is high levels of Uric Acid in the bloodstream. The higher the levels of Uric Acid, the greater the risk of an acute Gout attack and the greater the chance of that person to have long-term damage to his joints – even if he has no symptoms and no acute attack.

Hyperuricemia can be the result of increased Uric Acid production or decreased Uric Acid excretion. In both cases there are primary factors and secondary factors that contribute to the development of Gout.

Other medical conditions common to Gout sufferers include high blood pressure, Diabetes Mellitus, high levels of Triglycerides, and Atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries).

Read about Gout Symptoms.

In both men and women, the American College of Rheumatology has found increased body mass index, weight and waist-to-hip ratio (all factors in assessing obesity) are associated with increased risk of Gout. Hypertension and use of Diuretics also increased the risk of Gout. However, increase in dairy intake will strongly reduce the risk of Gout.

 

A Gout attack, or Flare-up, may be triggered by:

• too much intake of alcohol
• some types of medications
• a large meal
• the presence of another illness
• stress

However, in many cases, it is hard to know what the real cause is.

A chronic Gout sufferer can have a Gout attack as a result of binge eating or drinking, crash dieting, stubbing a toe, or twisting an ankle. Any previously damaged or stressed joint can be the location of a Gout attack.

Environmental Factors Affecting Gout

Climactic factors such as heat and humidity that lead to dehydration can lead to Gout attacks. Depleting the body of fluids through perspiration is a potential trigger for recurrent Gout attacks according to the American College of Rheumatology.

Gout attacks are twice as likely if the temperature is above 85° as when it is below 65°. Likewise, they are twice as likely when the humidity is above 70%. Barometric pressure and precipitation, however, have no effect.

To manage your Gout, you must understand the methods used for diagnosing Gout, the stages of Gout, and the Treatments for Gout. Learn about dietary changes you need to make to live with Gout. Get help for the pain of Gout or for cleansing your body of the urate crystals of Gout.