Gout occurs when urate crystals accumulate in the joints, causing inflammation and intense pain. Urate crystals can form when there are high levels of uric acid in the blood, which can happen when the body produces too much uric acid or has difficulty eliminating it. Some factors that can increase the uric acid level in the body and trigger gout include:
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Diet: Eating a diet rich in red meat, shellfish, and organ meats, as well as drinking beverages sweetened with fruit sugar (fructose), can increase levels of uric acid and increase the risk of gout.
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Alcohol consumption: Drinking alcohol, especially beer, can increase the risk of gout.
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Weight: Being overweight can cause the body to produce more uric acid and make it more difficult for the kidneys to eliminate uric acid, increasing the risk of gout.
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Medical conditions: Certain diseases and conditions, such as untreated high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, metabolic syndrome, and heart and kidney diseases, can increase the risk of gout.
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Certain medications: Some medications, such as diuretics and drugs for people who have had organ transplants, can increase the risk of gout.
It is important to note that not everyone with high uric acid levels will develop gout, and some people with gout may not have high uric acid levels. To prevent gout attacks, it is recommended to make changes to the diet and lifestyle, such as losing weight, limiting alcohol, and avoiding foods high in purines. Drinking plenty of water and avoiding beverages sweetened with high-fructose corn syrup and alcoholic beverages, especially beer, can also help minimize flares.
