Gout

An ancient disease, Gout is a common type of inflammatory arthritis that causes immediate attacks of pain, tenderness, redness, warmth and swelling in some joints. 

It occurs when there is too much uric acid in the blood, tissues and urine.  In people with gout, the body does not produce enough of the digestive enzyme uricase which changes relatively insoluble uric acid into a highly soluble compound.  When there is too much uric acid, it  accumulates in the blood and tissue, and ultimately, crystalizes.

When it crystallizes, uric acid takes on a shape like that of a needle, and like a needle, it jabs its way into the joints.  It seems to prefer the joint of the big toe, but other joints can be vulnerable as well, including the mid-foot, ankle, knee, wrist and even the fingers.   

Acute pain is usually the first symptom.  The affected joints then become inflamed and almost infected-looking - red, swollen, hot and extremely sensitive to the touch. Over time, this can harm your joints, tendons, and other tissues.

The  over production of uric acid in  the body can be from genetics but. It can also occur as a complication of other conditions.  Some people inherit the inability to process uric acid and the ability to lose it in the urine. 

Uric acid is a byproduct of certain foods, so gout is closely related to diet.  Obesity and an improper diet increase the risk of developing gout. Once believed to be the result of gluttony Gout has been called the rich man's disease, since it is associated with too much rich food and alcohol.  

However, while such overindulgence can definitely heighten the risk of gout—anybody can be affected by the pain of gout. In fact it affects people from all walks of life, most commonly men between the ages of forty and fifty.  

It may be inherited or brought on by crash dieting, drinking alcohol, and certain medications especially diuretics.

Other potential triggers of gout include:

• Surgery
• Stress
• Crash diets
• Sudden, severe illness
• Chemotherapy
• Joint injury
• High blood pressure
• Excessive exercise.

A few people will only experience one gout attack. However, for most people the gout attacks will keep coming back every few months and will be worse in intensity. If the disease is left untreated, it may result in crippling damage to the joints

Read more about Gout and the Gout Remedy

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