Are You At Risk Of Developing Gout?

Gout is a condition that occurs as a result of elevated levels of uric acid, also known as hyperuricemia. This leads to the formation of urate crystals in the joints causing inflammation and intense pain.

If the kidneys are damaged, their ability to excrete uric acid is severely hindered, redulting in hyperuricemia. the uric acid builds up forming monosodium urate crystals that deposit in the joints and surrounding soft tissues (tophi). This causes extreme pain, swelling, and inflammation of the affected area.

Other risks of gout include:

Being overweight:

Obesity puts you at an increased risk of developing any number of conditions and diseases and gout happens to be one of these.

Excessive weight gain is caused by a poor diet, a lifestyle low in physical activity or possibly some other condition such as hyperthyroidism.

Gender: Gout is more common amongst men.

Age: Men usually get gout between the ages of 40 to 60, while women mostly develop gout after the age of 60.

Genetics: You are at increased risk of suffering gout if there is a family history of it occurring.

Diabetes: This condition can affect the function of the kidneys, which in turn can reduce the ability of the body to remove the uric acid. When the uric acid levels are elevated there is a greater risk of gout developing.

Medications: Certain medications are known to pave the way for gout development. These medications include:

Anti rejection drugs, levodopa, diuretics, aspirin, niacin, anti-Tb medications and minophylline.

Dieting: Crash diets can cause gout due to the sudden lack of calories, as well as the over production of lactic acid, which can prevent the kidneys from excreting uric acid.

Eating foods high in purines: Most all the foods we eat contain purines. It is recommended that you eat these foods in moderation. Most all foods that contain purines are healthy foods that are good for the body. Therefore, eating these foods in moderation, as well as drinking plenty of water will help to reduce your chances of future gout attacks.

Beverages: Some beverages contain high levels of purines, such as beer and wine. Again, moderation is the key.

Being consistently exposed to lead has been found to induce gout attacks.

Other causes:

Psoriasis, lymphoma, diabetes, some cancers and high blood pressure.

Managing your risks for gout involves knowing the risks. If you have any chronic conditions such as diabetes, keeping your blood sugars within normal limits will help to prevent complications that can lead to gout.