|
What is Gout
For hundreds of years people didn't know what is gout and what causes gout.
It seems that gout has a long history. It was first described by Hippocrates, "the father of medicine" and affected over time important historical and cultural personalities of the world, like Benjamin Franklin, Isaac Newton, William Shakespeare and Alexander the Great.The word gout comes from old French gote "gout, drop," and Latin gutta "a drop". Several hundred years ago gout was thought to be caused by drops of viscous humors seeping from the blood into the joints, which turned out to be close to the truth. When a patient experiences the symptoms of a gout attack, uric acid has been accumulating in his blood, and uric acid deposits have been forming in the joints.
What is gout?
Actually, gout is a metabolic disease, the most common and oldest forms of arthritis, that occurs when there is an excess of uric acid in the blood. Gout can cause extreme pain in the affected areas. The excess uric acid which is not eliminated though urine can lead to three conditions: - deposits of sharp crystals (monosodium urate crystals) of uric acid in joints, usually in the big toe, which tear into the synovial sacks and cartilage between joints.
- deposits of uric acid crystals (tophi) under the skin or uric acid that resembles lumps.
- formation of uric acid crystals into kidney stones in the kidneys.
Uric acid is formed from the breakdown of purines. Purines are natural substances found in all of the body's cells, and in virtually all foods. When cells die and get recycled, the purines in their genetic material also get broken down. Uric acid is the chemical formed when purines have been broken down completely. It's normal and healthy for uric acid to be formed in the body from breakdown of purines. When the Uric acid levels are high, it is known as Hyperuricaemia, and can lead to gout attacks in some cases. Gout is a complex disorder, it is more prevalent among men, and afflicts women more commonly after the menopause. Men have higher uric acid levels in their blood than women. Gout attack
The pain of gout (called attacks or flares) is caused by inflammation when needle-like crystals are deposited in connective tissue and/or in the fluid that cushions a joint. This inflammatory reaction is due to the body producing white blood cells to combat the Uric acid intruder. When this happens the inflamed area also produces heat. The acute attack of gout is when a toe gets red and shiny, inflamed, painful and swollen to a point that become tender and painful to touch. Gout Diet and Prevention
Preventing attacks of gout is as important as treating acute arthritis. Prevention of acute gout involves keeping an adequate intake of fluids, reducing body weight, changes in nutrition, reducing alcohol consumption and drug treatment to reduce hyperuricemia. Maintaining an adequate consumption of fluids helps prevent attacks of gout. It also reduces the risk of kidney stone formation in patients with gout. Alcohol is known for its diuretic effect and can contribute to dehydration which leads to crystals deposit in joints and gout attacks. Eating tofu, olive oil, and nuts, actually seems to counteract weakened kidneys to eliminate uric acid from the bloodstream. A diet rich in complex carbohydrates, in the form of vegetables, fruits, and whole grains like bread and pasta, may ease the symptoms of gout. A doctor might combine these diet restrictions with anti-inflammatory medication and an overall weight loss plan.
Go Back from What Is Gout to Natural Remedies for Gout Go Back from What Is Gout to Home Page
|
