7 facts everyone must know about gout

7 facts everyone must know about gout

Affecting an incredible eight million-plus people in the United States, Gout is a serious form of arthritis that causes insurmountable pain in the joints. The condition, which is one of the oldest prevailing medical illness in society, develops due to the accumulation of uric acid in the joints, mostly troubling overweight adults and men. Delving further, here are seven must-know facts about this condition.

In women, it is more common after menopause

Gout basically occurs due to the accumulation of uric acid, which then forms needle-shaped structures in the joints and leads to pain, inflammation, and redness. Estrogen, a hormone found in women, naturally leads to uric acid being released through urine. However, after menopause, their estrogen levels start to drop, which makes the uric acid content in their blood rise.

Gout can take birth even with normal levels of uric acid

While most patients suffering from gout have a high concentration of uric acid in their bloodstream, some gout attacks can even occur with normal uric acid levels — a rare condition termed as asymptomatic hyperuricemia.

Alcohol increases its risk

Along with meat, fish, and poultry, alcohol consumption drastically increases the chances of developing gout. This is because alcohol has a high content of purine, a chemical compound that breaks down into urea in the body. Excess consumption can increase the concentration in the bloodstream, with the kidneys not able to excrete it as quickly from the system. This ultimately leads to the accumulation of uric acid and subsequent gout.

The occurrence of gout safeguards the brain?

Some scientists are of the belief that the emergence of gout reduces the risk of neurological disorders like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease. Could uric acid, despite being a waste product, be a powerful antioxidant and prevent the brain cells from damage? It is still only a hypothesis, with multiple studies needed before a conclusion can be reached.

Kidneys are exposed if gout is not treated

Besides causing immense pain and leading to gout, excess uric acid can also prove dangerous to the kidneys. The urate crystals, which are the needle-like structures that cause gout pain, pass through the kidneys and might end up causing scars, and even kidney failure over time.

Certain medicines trigger gout attacks

Changing lifestyle is an important part of treating gout. This also includes getting rid of specific medications that accelerate gout attacks. Aspirin, diuretics which is used to treat high blood pressure, cyclosporine, and niacin, among others, are all known to trigger gout attacks and, thereby, must be avoided.

Greatness is vulnerable to gout

While it is hard to find a silver lining in the gout pain, the condition has a history of affecting great people from history! Sir Issac Newton, Leonardo Da Vinci, and Charles Dickens, among others, were all diagnosed with gout.

  • Top 5 healthy foods for dogs

    Top Articles

    Top 5 healthy foods for dogs

    There are plenty of options when it comes to dog food. However, finding the right meal for your dog is not easy, as what works for one may not work for another. Plus a lot of dog food brands claim to be nutritious for your pooch but contain fillers and other harmful preservatives. Therefore, to ensure your dog gets only the best, we have put together a list of the top five dog food: 1. Orijen Original Dry Dog Food Orijen sources its ingredients from trusted farmers to create safe and healthy

    Read More
  • Popular smartphones worth buying in 2021

    Top Articles

    Popular smartphones worth buying in 2021

    A smartphone may last from a few days to a couple of years, but that's it. A phone's volatile lifespan depends on factors like how well it keeps up with updates, or sometimes, even how quickly or often we drop it on the floor. Also, it's an electronic device, so we will need a new one sooner or later. So, here are some of the best smartphone deals to check out if you're planning to change your phone in 2021. Apple iPhone 12 The Apple iPhone 12 is one of the best smartphones out there. It is

    Read More
  • 5 Types of Tactical Boots

    Top Articles

    5 Types of Tactical Boots

    Tactical boots are heavy-duty shoes specially designed to be used in rugged and extreme terrain. A good pair of tactical boots keeps your feet safe from harsh weather while also ensuring comfort. So, whether you are military personnel, a safety worker, or simply someone who loves venturing outback, here are some of the best tactical boots of 2021 to protect your feet. Bates Men's Ultra-Lites Side-Zip Tactical Boots Bates is one of the top brands in the segment, and their Men's Ultra-Lites Si

    Read More