What is Causing My Gout?

People with gout may be wondering, what is causing my gout? Most attacks of gout start because of poor lifestyle choices including drinking too much alcohol, eating rich foods, and being overweight. However, about 10% to 15% of gout patients have it due to certain metabolic problems. A deficiency of certain enzymes (like xanthine oxidase) that break down the purines can also be a cause. The body may also produce too many purines.

Purines exist in our DNA and RNA as a natural part of our body's cells. The purines break down into uric acid, which then passes out through the urine. If you have too many purines, you have a problem with uric acid buildup. The uric acid which causes painful crystals to develop between the joints, hence causing gout.
There's good news for those who can control their purine intake.

Habits and conditions that increases the purine content in our body fluids can be changed. Even being 15% overweight can cause gout to develop. We have the option to adopt a healthier diet and cut calories.

The next primary factor in developing gout is drinking too much alcohol. Beer is especially high in purines, so think again before breaking out a "cold one".

You need to be careful of the foods that you eat. Avoid purine rich foods like organ meats, beans, soy, processed meats, milk, eggs and certain seafoods (like crab, mussels, and shrimp).

Another thing to be aware of is that taking aspirin and diuretics can put extra stress on the kidneys. Up to 25% of gout attacks are attributed to these drugs. As a matter of fact, kidney problems, such as stones are found in approximately 90% of gout patients. The urate crystals also grow in the kidneys.

There are quite a few things we can do to help prevent developing gout. We do have control over what we put into our bodies and certainly, eliminating many of the factors that may be causing our gout seems like it would be a powerful motivator!