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Gout: The illness and treatment Among the many diseases that has plagued the humans gout is a prime disease. This ailment has affected people from around the globe and many for years have struggled to find a suitable remedy. Thousands of people across the globe suffer from the excess of uric acid. Uric acid is a bi-product of protein synthesis in the body, which is flushed out of the body by the kidneys. However, due to excess of uric acid, it often is deposited at the various joints and bones of the body. Gout is an illness that is caused by this extra deposition of uric acid in our body. The most common symptom of gout is extreme pain at the various joints of the body. Swelling up body parts and red spots too are symptoms. It is important to know the source of this disease. The main cause is definitely the genes that transfer gout within a family. Men over 40 and women nearing their menopause are likely candidates for this illness. However, gout does not normally affect children. Obese people have a tendency to develop gout because the extra body tissues breaks down to produce protein- the basic cell component. In addition, gout affects alcoholics immensely. Also, food heavy in protein can cause this problem, especially if there are clear signs of gout/uric acid in the family. Other important contributors towards gout are medicines that affect protein breakdown in the human body. 'Diuretics' (that reduce excess fluids in the body circulation and thereby reduce the chances of heart attacks, high blood pressure etc.), Levodopa (which is used for Parkinson's disease), Salicylates (found in anti-inflammatory drugs) or Cyclosporine (helps to suppress the immunity system) are some of the drugs that can cause an excess of uric acid as their side effect. The most common treatment for gout is naproxen and ibuprofen or other similar anti- inflammatory medicines. Often doctors prevent you from taking aspirin while on the above drugs as aspirin slows down the rate of uric acid removal. The increase in the number of gout patients in the USA over the years is mainly due to the excess fructose food/beverage intake. Sugary fast foods and soft drinks are the potential criminals here! Choi and Curhan in their study entitled: "Soft Drinks, Fructose Consumption, and the Risk of Gout in Men: Prospective Cohort Study" clearly explains the change in human consumption pattern and the effects of gout and other illnesses. The study spanning over a decade and including near 50,000 people is a comprehensive guide to today's urban food habits and the resultant diseases that can be prevented easily. To make a gist of the research for laymen we must say the following: Firstly, excess use of sugar-drinks increases the chance of gout. Secondly, eating of Fructose-laden fruits and vegetables can do the same thing. However, these fruits contain valuable ingredients fro the body and should not be altogether avoided. Thirdly, other relevant issues like age, genetics, BMI; lifestyle etc. should be carefully monitored for a potential gout patient. Remember gout is no longer considered a 'rich man's disease' and can affect anyone form any section of the society. Regular uric acid testing is vital especially when you are nearing the 40s. Another must is to go through 'Cure Gout Now' - an excellently created e-book by Lisa McDowell. Check out the innovative ways to control your diet and improve your health. Article Source: http://www.eArticlesOnline.com About the Author: Kenneth Lee is author of this article on Gout Diet. Find more information about What Is Gout here. Keywords: gout, gout diet, gout food, gout diet tips, foods that cause gout
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