I recall last Thanksgiving as my father lie on the couch bemoaning some of the worst pain he had ever experienced, all in his big toe. The toe swelled up to a point that he was confined to wearing flip flops, as a shoe would no longer even fit.

He also had just spent a few days on a wine-tasting tour in the Finger Lakes Wine Country of New York. While he never drank to excess, he did sample a lush variety of wines that weekend. Wine was also coupled with rich treats at most wineries his tour visited.

My father discovered that the pain plaguing his toe was none other than gout. Gout occurs when there is an excess of a substance called uric acid within the body. Uric acid is a waste product that is normally filtered out of the blood stream and eliminated. However, when this acid builds up in the blood stream, it becomes crystallized and generally settles in joints, leading to the painful condition known as gout.

Regarding my father's gout, the cause was never officially determined, but he suspects that alcohol consumption may have been to blame. Indeed, high alcohol consumption is listed as one of the most prevalent risk factors for gout.

A diet high in red meat and seafood has also been frequently cited as increasing the risk for gout. Purines, a substance found in these foods, is thought to be the culprit behind aggravating uric acid buildup in some individuals. However, there are other dietary considerations as well, some of which are surprising. While yeast found in beer can certainly increase one's risk for gout, the yeast in bread may also be of concern. However, the real shockers are some foods that are commonly praised for their health benefits including: asparagus, cauliflower, mushrooms, peas, spinach, some whole grains, and even poultry. These foods that are often regarded as nutritious pose a smaller concern, but because of their moderate purine content, they are listed as possible risk factors for gout.

Beyond dietary considerations, other less-known things may be to blame for gout. Family history of the disease, being a male, or obesity are all things that may increase an individual's gout risk. Medicines, particularly aspirin and diuretics, can also drive up the chances of contracting gout. Recurring dehydration, low calorie diets, and even lead exposure may also lead to this painful disease. Additionally, some studies have suggested a possible connection between gout and chronic illnesses such as diabetes, renal disease, and heart conditions.

While for many individuals, uric acid poses little trouble, there are those whose bodies don't dispose of the waste product quite so well. If you've had gout, or think you may be at risk for getting it, taking the above-mentioned factors into consideration may be a good idea. By watching your diet and being mindful of other things that may cause gout, you can take the first step toward preventing this painful condition.

Source:

www.webmd.com

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