Gout is a type of arthritis that occurs due to high levels of uric acid in the bloodstream. In large quantities, uric acid is difficult to eliminate through the process of excretion and tends to accumulate and deposit at different levels of the body. Uric acid crystals cause inflammation, pain, sourness and swelling of the joints. Gout can also affect skin and soft tissue such as tendons and muscles, decreasing their flexibility and integrity.
Renal insufficiency and metabolic problems are also considered to be causes of gout. Genetic problems and chronic anemia are other factors that facilitate the development of gout. Research results indicate that obesity is another cause of gout, as there are many overweight people suffering from different types of arthritis. Excessive weight contributes to the development of gout too, as the bodies of overweight people seem to secrete more uric acid. People with weight problems are more predisposed to injuries at the level of the joints when suffering from gout.
Age is a determinant factor in the development of gout, as people over 50 are more likely to be affected by the disease than young adults or children. An interesting aspect of gout is that it mostly affects men.
Gout is believed to have a pronounced hereditary character, as the disease is known to be transmissible from one generation to another. Statistics indicate that some people who suffer from gout have a family history of the disease.
Due to the fact that there is no specific treatment for gout, it is very important to take steps in preventing the disease from occurring. An appropriate diet, good exercise and a healthy lifestyle play very important roles in the prevention and treatment of gout. Although smoking and the consumption of alcohol aren’t considered to be causes of gout, they considerably aggravate the symptoms of the disease.
The foods that are believed to cause gout contain high levels of saturated fats or are very rich in purines. When the body synthesizes purine, it releases a lot of uric acid. It is best to reduce the amount of foods that contain purine, such as organ meats or fish. Some vegetables and dairy products also contain a lot of purines.
Foods that are considered to be appropriate for people who suffer from gout are green vegetables, fruits, low-fat milk, cereals, and chicken meat. Drinking right amounts of water is known to help the body in the process of eliminating the excess of uric acid. Therefore, it is advised to drink at least 2 liters of water each day to make sure that the surplus of uric acid is properly excreted from the body.
