Many years ago, people thought gout was the result of heavy drinking and too much rich food. Although this is partially true, many patients who see me after a gout attack don't know what is actually causing the pain on a physical level. Another common belief is that only men suffer from gout. Though the condition is more common in men, women are also at risk, especially after menopause. Since 1 in 10 people over 60 get this form of arthritis, it is important to understand how gout affects our joints and how it can be managed in everyday life.
Uric Acid in the Body
Uric acid is a chemical that protects blood vessels from damage and acts as an antioxidant. It is formed when natural cellular building blocks called purines break down. Purines are part of the chemical structure of genes in humans, plants and animals. Therefore, purines are found in nearly every food we eat.
