Gout is a disease resulting from a defect in the metabolism of uric acid (hyperurecemia) that causes an excruciating pain in the joints, especially of the toes, knees and fingers.

Causes

	Gout is caused by the buildup of too much uric acid in the body.  It comes from the breakdown of substances called purines, which are found in all the body’s tissues.  These substances are present in foods, such as liver, dried beans and peas and anchovies (salty flavored fish).  Uric acid can buildup and dissolve in the blood.  It passes through the kidneys and out of the body in urine, but not all uric acid can be completely eliminated from the body.
Symptoms Gout generally occurs in four (4) stages (asymptomatic, acute, intercritical and chronic) and has the following signs and symptoms:
Asymptomatic Stage – urate levels rise in the blood, but produces no symptoms Acute Stage – symptoms usually lasting 5 to 10 days – Sudden attack of  pain in the joints – Swelling – Red and hot feeling, tenderness of the joints Intercritical Stage – symptom-free intervals between gout episodes.  Most people have a second attack from six months to two years, while others are symptom-free for five to 10 years. Chronic Stage – joints with large urate deposits in the cartilage, membranes between the bones, tendons and soft tissues – Skin over the deposits develop sores and release a white pus – Joint stiffness – Limited motion of affected joint.

The important step wherever possible must be to correct those factors which give rise to high uric acid level, through proper diet, a healthy lifestyle and medications.  The symptoms of gout can be relieved and further episodes eliminated.

• Proper diet – Avoid foods high in purine.  These foods include:  sardines, anchovies, brains, liver, kidneys, tripe, sweetbreads, seafoods, peas, lentils, beans and an excessive amount of red meat.
• Healthy lifestyle – Avoid alcoholic drinks and lose weight
• Medications – Use medications for gout tailored for each person and may need to be changed from time to time.