Monday, September 2, 2013

What is Gout?

Gout is a type of arthritis that causes excruciating pain to the joints it affects. With typical arthritis, cartilage erodes over time. With Gout, needle like uric acid crystals accumulate on the joints causing the joint to become red, swollen, and inflamed  The most commonly affected joint is the one below the big toe but it can occur to most any joint in the body.

Uric Acid is naturally removed through the kidneys, but when there are high levels of uric acid, called Hyperuricemia, the kidneys are not able to extract it all from the body allowing it to collect on the joints.

Uric Acid is created when the body breaks down purines found naturally in the body as well as the plants and animals consumed as food. Some foods like organ meats, legumes, and seafood have a higher consideration of purines than others.


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