What is Gout?

Gout is known to be the most painful type of arthritis.  It is one of the oldest forms of chronic illness and was called before as “disease of kings” because it was perceived at that time that such ailment was caused by too much indulgence of food and wine, which only the wealthy and powerful could afford. 

The agonizing pain of gout is characterized by intense pain, swelling and redness to the affected joint area (usually attacking the feet, particularly the biggest toe).  

What Are the Causes of Gout?

Gouts are often caused by:

• Obesity:  Excessive eating of food rich in uric acid and lack of physical exercise can cause obesity, which in the future will result to having a gout
  
  
• Excessive amount of uric acid in the body: Excessive level of uric acid in the body can cause accumulation of crystals in the joints; thus, causing the inflammation.   Uric acid is a waste product of the body which was not removed by the kidneys when it did the cleaning of bodily fluids.  Eating too much seafood and beans, as well as excessive drinking of alcohol can increase the uric acid level in one’s body.  
  
  
• Genetics: Gout can be inherited.  It sometimes run in the family line the inability to process uric acid.
  
  
• Certain illnesses.  Medications brought by certain illnesses can also cause gout attacks. It is also associated diseases involving the kidney and heart.    Chemotherapy and surgery can also cause gouts.