There are many causes of this condition, some of which are controllable (such as your diet) and some of which are out of your control (such as a genetic predisposition to gout).
Your diet can be a contributor to gout through the consumption of foods that contain a high amount of purine. This cause of gout is within your control, but will take some discipline. So what exactly are purines and why do they lead to gout? Purines are an organic compound that is found naturally in the body and in the foods that we eat. Our body breaks down purines into uric acid, which then bonds to the lining of our blood vessels and keeps them from being damaged. However, when too much uric acid builds up in the blood it crystallizes and sticks to our joints and organs, which then become swollen and inflamed (a condition called arthritis). While it is important to have purines in our diet, there is such a thing as “too much of a good thing.”
Purines are found in virtually all foods, though not all purines are the same. Meats and seafood have a higher purine content and are associated with a greater risk of gout, while the purines that are commonly found in vegetables are not considered to be as much of a health risk. Purines in dairy products are also not considered a gout risk, and it is even claimed that the purines in dairy products may help your body fight gout.
If you have gout and it is determined that your diet is the main culprit, your doctor will likely recommend that you follow a low-purine diet. This means cutting down on fatty foods, white meats, beef, chicken and processed foods. It may also be advised that you cut down on certain vegetables such as mushrooms, asparagus, cauliflower, spinach, etc., as well as legumes (peas and beans). Beer is also a cause of gout as the yeast contains purine. Your doctor will advise that you reduce your daily intake of purine to between 100 and 150 milligrams, depending on your size.
Gout can be a painful, uncomfortable burden, but by identifying the cause of it, at least you can go about combating it. So if you suffer from gout, take a look at your diet and make the appropriate changes to help alleviate the problem.
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