If you are a gout sufferer, it is paramount to resolve theunderlying reason of your outbreak. 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 outcome of a build up of uric acid in your bloodstream. When the uric acid reaches a stage where enough of it cannot be excreted (normally) in urine, it forms microscopic crystals of urate which lodge in the joints affected by gout. These needle shaped crystals being alien to the body speedily spark an immune reaction resulting in the associated intense pain and inflammation.

Uric acid is by and large 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 a 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 develop resulting in the gout spate.

There are various factors which may bump up the amount of uric acid in your blood. These fall into one of two categories:

Lifestyle factors such as gender, diet, job, exercise levels and mental situation.

Men are on average up to four times more liable to develop gout than a female. This is somewhat due to uric acid levels increasing during puberty which then stay increased when in comparison to a female. Diet is also possibly the biggest single factor. As we have already mentioned, 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 incorrectly been labelled with a poor 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 intensify the risk of developing gout. Treatments such as low-dose aspirin, some diuretics, niacin, chemotherapy have associations to gout, while some antacids such as allapurinol can actually make gout worse before improving things.

There are also a lesser number of medical conditions which have the same affect. Some of these are common and include conditions such as psoriasis, high blood pressure, diabetes, reduced kidney function, hyperlipidaemia and vascular disease.

It can be tricky to verify the exact causes of gout as the symptoms can be many and varied. One thing however is glaringly evident; avoiding foods high in purines, keeping well hydrated and moderate amounts of exercising can reduce the chances of a gout attack.

Simon Cliffe has been an web writer for over 10 years writing on a number of subjects. He has been affected by gout since his mid to late 20's and has spent time researching if gout can be prevented or be cured. His detailed website discusses gout causes and remedies. If you want to discover how to Cure Your Gout be sure to visit the site and learn What Causes Gout

Posted under arthritis