General Information on the Cause of Gout

We can find the cause of gout from our genetic make-up, the foods we eat, medicines we take or the kind of environment we’re in. Here are a few examples of basic and more complex cause of gout.

General and anatomical cause of gout:

• Abnormally high levels or concentrations of uric acid in the blood are a cause of gout. Crystals begin to build up in the joints, which consequentially cause pain and swelling.
• Genes are also known to be a cause of gout. If you have a history of gout in your family, then you may have the tendency to develop the condition.
• Some individuals are born with enzymes that do not properly regulate or control the production of uric acid in the blood. Congenital conditions can activate high levels of uric acid i.e.: Lesch-Nyhan syndrome and Kelley-Seegmiller syndrome.
• Gout typically affects individuals aged 40 to over 60 years. If you are within this age range, it is best to see your doctor or take preventive treatments (natural or conventional).
• Gender also plays a role in causing gout—men are more likely to develop gout compared to women.

Food / Diet:

• Eating specific types of food like shellfish and beans, or other high-fat and high-protein foods has been known to be the cause of gout. Meat and seafood are especially high in purines. Try eating more fresh fruits and green vegetables.
• An extreme calorie-restrictive diet is also a cause of gout. When on a weight-loss plan, incorporate a balanced diet and regular exercise. Restricting too much can lower your immune system, and a weak immune system can also make you susceptible to gout.
  · Drinking excessive or large amounts of alcohol could also be a culprit. Alcohol triggers the overproduction of uric acid as well as inhibits the body from eliminating uric acid from the blood.
  Medications:
  · Some medicines that may be a cause of gout include diuretics, niacin and aspirin. Others are medications that weaken the immune system (i.e.: used in transplant surgery).
  Other health conditions:
  · Obesity can raise the tendency of developing gout because tissue and cells are broken down more frequently.
  · High blood pressure may worsen the condition—even the ingredient used in the medication for high blood pressure (thiazide) have been found to raise levels of uric acid levels.
  · Chronic kidney disease inhibits the body’s ability to get rid of enough uric acid from the blood.
  · Certain health conditions such as multiple myeloma, psoriasis and hemolytic anemia trigger fast cell turnover, which triggers gout.
  · Hypothyroidism has been linked with gout because it impairs glomerular filtration and decreases renal plasma flow.
  · Tumors, a weak immune system, stress and illness are other cause of gout.
  External factors:
  · Surgery may require certain medications that unfortunately trigger the onset of gout.
  · Chemotherapy causes cells to diminish prematurely.
  · Lead poisoning from the environment is infamously known to cause gout.
  It’s always best to see your doctor for medical advice.