What Is Gout?
Gout is a form of arthritis that affects about 8.3 million people [1] in the United States. This painful inflammatory condition is caused by the buildup of uric acid in the blood. This uric acid forms crystals in the joints that lead to severe pain, swelling, and inflammation. Although it can occur in any joint, it most commonly affects those on the feet, particularly the big toe.
If you have gout, you are unlikely to experience the symptoms of this condition continuously. Most people experience flares when the level of uric acid in their blood spikes to abnormal levels. The symptoms can last up to 10 days [2] and often occur at night. These symptoms generally subside as blood uric acid levels drop.
People with gout often suffer from an inability to properly excrete excess uric acid, leading to its accumulation in the joints. Some simply make too much uric acid due to genetic factors. Certain foods can cause blood uric acid levels to drop or spike. Know which ones lower blood uric acid levels and adding them to your diet can relieve your gout symptoms. This article will discuss some of these foods. Read on to find out.