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Normally, uric acid dissolves in the blood, enters the kidneys, and is
excreted in the urine. When there is increase uric acid production in the
body (from breakdown of purines found in our body tissues), decreased
excretion of uric acid via the kidneys, and increased intake of high purine
foods like anchovies, liver, nuts, beans, and peas, then uric acid builds up
in the blood producing sharp crystals in the joints. The condition is called
gout.
Gout is a painful form of arthritis with the first attack
commonly occurring in the big toe. It can also affect other joints such as
the ankles, feet, knees, hands, fingers, elbows, and wrists. The pain is
usually sudden and severe waking a person from his sleep, accompanied by
redness, swelling, stiffness, and tenderness of the affected joint. High
blood uric acid levels may in time lead to deposits of crystals in or around
joints producing severe gout attacks. These crystals may also deposit in the
urinary tract leading to kidney stones.
Risk factors:
Positive Family History
More common in men and in women after menopause
Obesity
Increased alcohol intake
Untreated medical conditions like hypertension,diabetes, arteriosclerosis,
hyperlipidemia
Prevention include regular exercise, eating a balanced diet, and increase
fluid intake.
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