There appears to be 3 different types of gout - 1) the overproducer (the person produces too much uric acid), 2) the underexcreter (the kidneys cannot excrete properly) or 3) a combination of both. This acid accumulates in joint tissues in the form of needle-like crystals that cause pain. High purine containing foods including red and organ meats, shellfish, cheeses and alcohol increase uric acid levels in the blood and may be a major trigger for attacks. Some conditions such as cancer may cause this condition, but mostly it is an inherited or dietary/lifestyle problem.

People who have had gout have an increased risk of developing kidney stones, high blood pressure, kidney disease, diabetes mellitus, high levels of triglycerides, and atherosclerosis.

• Age >30 and predominantly male
• Inherited risk
• Diets high in purine foods, alcohol, saturated fats
• Overweight and sedentary persons
• Dehydration
• Stress
• Drugs and medications
• Chronic illness

• Extreme pain in a single joint, usually the base of the big toe, but also feet, fingers, wrists, elbows, knees, or ankles
• Shiny red-purple, swollen, hot and stiff joint
• Fever, chills
• Lumps just under the skin of the joints may develop over time

(This is additional information that does not replace nor negate conventional diagnosis. Other tests may be useful depending on the individual circumstance.)

• Digestive function assessment
• Biochemical assessments
• Health and Lifestyle assessment
• Allergy and food intolerance testing

Contact YourHealth for referenced material regarding this condition, any of the diagnostic tests or therapies mentioned.