If there is too much uric acid in your body (hyperuricemia) you may develop an inflammatory type of arthritis called gout. The excess uric acid forms crystals which can settle in your joints. This causes your joints to become painful and swollen. Gout may start off as an individual attack that gets better with treatment. It can also turn into a chronic disease, however, and cause damage to your kidneys. To help prevent and manage this condition, it is important to be familiar with the causes of gouty arthritis and then take steps to lower your risk.
High Purine Foods
Your body contains a chemical called purine which plays a role in cell division and growth. As new cells are formed there may be excessive amounts of purine left over in the body. Your body normally handles this by converting the extra purine into uric acid and then excreting the excess through your urine. If this process goes wrong, however, too much uric acid can build up and your body may not be able to eliminate all of it. This can lead to gout. In addition, your diet may contribute to uric acid levels getting too high.
Eating foods high in purine can contribute to gout, says the National Institutes of Health. This includes foods such as shellfish, organ meats, dried beans, peas, sardines, mushrooms asparagus, anchovies and more. Drinking too much alcohol can interfere with the body's ability to excrete uric acid which may cause it to build up in your blood stream. Working with a registered dietitian can help you learn to enjoy the foods you like, while also lowering your risk.
Medications
According to the American College of Rheumatology, certain medications can also inhibit your body's ability to eliminate uric acid. This includes diuretics which are often used to treat heart disease. Diuretics alter the way your kidneys work and your level of uric acid may rise. Aspirin, Parkinson's medications and those used for organ transplants have similar side effects. If you are on these medications talk to your doctor about ways to lower your changes of getting gout. Since gout affects each person differently, you and your doctor will need to find the right treatment approach for your individual situation.
Genetics and Environmental Issues
Gout tends to run in the family. The National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases claims that if other family members have this disease, your risk rises to about 20 percent. Gout can be managed, however, and in some cases prevented. Even if you have a family history you can make healthy lifestyle choices to reduce your risk. If you have been exposed to lead at work or at home you may develop gout. Lead poisoning can interfere with normal kidney function which can contribute to gout. Lead can be found in old buildings that were painted before lead was removed from paint. There may also be lead in dust particles in these ares as well. To further lower your risk be on the lookout for lead-free utensils and cosmetics.
