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  HelloLife Guest Topic Started October 19 2011 at 12:54 pm Favorite 0

  What causes gout?

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  Dr. Jeff Chamberlain, MD Answered by Health Coach Dr. Jeff Chamberlain, MD
  October 16 2011 at 3:00 am

  Gout is caused when uric acid crystals form in the joint space. Uric acid is a natural by-product of the body’s metabolism of purines (purines come from certain types of protein). It is normal to have a small amount of uric acid in our blood, but problems begin when these levels become too high. There are two main causes of gout:

  •90% of people with high uric acid levels, have high levels because their kidneys do not excrete it as fast as they should. •About 10% of people with high uric acid levels, have high levels because they consume too much high purine foods.

  Foods such as alcohol, red meats, organ meats (like kidney and liver), seafood and sugar-sweetened drinks have been shown to increase the chances of a gouty attack. Being dehydrated can also increase the chances of gout. Gout is also tied to type II diabetes. People with insulin resistance have higher uric acid levels in their blood. Being overweight increases insulin resistance, so getting to a healthy weight is also important to preventing gout.

  Stay Healthy! Dr. Jeff M.D.

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