by David Hon

Created on: August 26, 2007   Last Updated: January 08, 2008

Gout is caused by the build-up of uric acid crystals in joints, especially larger joints that have very little cartilage left or are arthritic. Gout can even cause a form of arthritis. It is extremely painful and stiffens joints, always due to sudden, massive inflammation.

Gout was once called "the king's disease." More aptly named now, but the root cause of this archaic name was the observation that only the overindulgent and rich suffered from gout long ago. These earlier gout-researchers realized that eating red meats, fish, beans, and other foods high in purines is a cause of gout. Think about the farmers and peasants in the 1600s: did they eat these things? Baguettes or soup were a maybe for them.

People with kidney problems also are at a much higher risk for gout. The kidneys function as two filters, and if these filters do not work as planned or are overwhelmed, then the small uric acid crystals flow right through the blood stream, never get caught, and settle in a weak joint. Our kidneys also do not work as well if we are dehydrated, since the kidneys have to work harder for the more condensed flow.

Alcohol is not very good for the liver and kidneys you've heard it a thousand times. If any purine rich foods are consumed while alcohol is present in the bloodstream, it is much more likely that the gout-forming crystals will bypass the kidneys, along with any uric acid that is present without the food (face it, if you're at the bar, and slightly intoxicated, are you, or are you not going to buy that burger?). Why? The kidneys are already busy detoxifying the bloodstream of the alcohol. Two points for gout, zero for the big toe.

Obesity puts a person at a higher risk for gout. Why? The extra fatty tissue present in obese persons requires more maintenance and causes more metabolic breakdown than someone of a more normal weight, causing an extra production of uric acid crystals. High blood pressure, being sub-symptomatic of obesity, also creates an increased risk for gout.

Mainly, the above are the causes of gout. There are also some slightly less common reasons. A hyperactive thyroid also can enable a similar disease to form: chondrocalcinosis. While chondrocalcinosis is a mouthful, it is almost exactly like gout except that it forms with a calcium based substance instead of a uric acid based one. Genetics play a big role with gout: 18% of gout-victims have a family history of the disease. Recent surgery will have many organs occupied and the body, again, will not be as efficient in processing any gout-forming crystals.

If you eat well, exercise, don't drink, try not to over-stress, and possibly even take a prescription antinflamitory for your gout problem, chances are that gout will not be a nuisance. If it is, it will be a rare one. Gout occasionally can persist even with the proper precautions: see your doctor if it becomes chronic and/or severe.

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WORKS CITED:

"Introduction: Gout." Cureresearch.com. All sections. 2003. 25 Aug 2007
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Eustice, Carol, and Richard. "Guide to Gout: Information on Gout." About.com:
arthritis. 14 Oct 2006. 25 Aug 2007
.

National Organization of Rare Disorders. "Chondrocalcinosis, Familial Articular." WebMD. 7 Nov 2003. 25 Aug 2007 .

"The Thyroid Gland." University of Virginia: Health System. 21 Aug 2006. 25 Aug 2007 .

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