Gout is caused by elevated levels of uric acid in the blood which then forms uric acid crysrals that are deposited in the joints, tendons and surrounding tissues.
This usually happens when the kidneys are not able to expel the excess uric acid from the body or the body is producing too much acid for the kidneys to cope with.
Uric acid is produced as a result of the natural breakdown of chemical compounds in the cells called "purines".
Purines also exist in our food at varying concentrations.
Some foods have low concentrations and other have medium to high concentrations.
It is therefore wise to educate yourself, take responsibility and learn to read the labels of the foods that you eat.
The old saying "YOU ARE WHAT YOU EAT" has never been more true.
So in short you are looking at the following: · High levels of uric acid production due to the breakdown of purine · The body is unable to expel uric acid effectively · Purine rich diet · Overproduction and retention of uric acid due to a genetic defect These are the most common causes but they are not the triggers that will instigate an attack.
Some factors that will trigger attacks are for instance: · Obesity · Heavy alcohol consumption · Food rich in purine · Diets that are very low in calories - crash diets with fast weight loss · Heart disease · Surgery · Joint injuries - gout is attracted to joints that have been damaged in the past · Drop in barometric pressure · Candida or the use of antibiotics · Fasting · Deficiency in vitamin B5, A and E · Thiazide diuretic medications (water pills) used to treat high blood pressure and heart failure These are only a few but the list is much longer.
In about 90 percent of all cases, gout is prevalent in men older than 40 and in menopausal women.
Gout attacks normally occurs during the night, and within 12 to 24 hours, severe pain and swelling is present in the affected joint.
The episode usually lasts about 3 to 10 days and will pass even without medication Gout is a life long condition that requires long-term management.
It can be managed by eating the right food and if needed, taking medication.
Your physician, pharmacist and dietician can help you to compile an effective management plan to get your gout under control and keep it there.
This will probably include some serious life style changes that will definitely be worth your while in the long run.
This usually happens when the kidneys are not able to expel the excess uric acid from the body or the body is producing too much acid for the kidneys to cope with.
Uric acid is produced as a result of the natural breakdown of chemical compounds in the cells called "purines".
Purines also exist in our food at varying concentrations.
Some foods have low concentrations and other have medium to high concentrations.
It is therefore wise to educate yourself, take responsibility and learn to read the labels of the foods that you eat.
The old saying "YOU ARE WHAT YOU EAT" has never been more true.
So in short you are looking at the following: · High levels of uric acid production due to the breakdown of purine · The body is unable to expel uric acid effectively · Purine rich diet · Overproduction and retention of uric acid due to a genetic defect These are the most common causes but they are not the triggers that will instigate an attack.
Some factors that will trigger attacks are for instance: · Obesity · Heavy alcohol consumption · Food rich in purine · Diets that are very low in calories - crash diets with fast weight loss · Heart disease · Surgery · Joint injuries - gout is attracted to joints that have been damaged in the past · Drop in barometric pressure · Candida or the use of antibiotics · Fasting · Deficiency in vitamin B5, A and E · Thiazide diuretic medications (water pills) used to treat high blood pressure and heart failure These are only a few but the list is much longer.
In about 90 percent of all cases, gout is prevalent in men older than 40 and in menopausal women.
Gout attacks normally occurs during the night, and within 12 to 24 hours, severe pain and swelling is present in the affected joint.
The episode usually lasts about 3 to 10 days and will pass even without medication Gout is a life long condition that requires long-term management.
It can be managed by eating the right food and if needed, taking medication.
Your physician, pharmacist and dietician can help you to compile an effective management plan to get your gout under control and keep it there.
This will probably include some serious life style changes that will definitely be worth your while in the long run.