Gout is a kind of arthritis caused by excess uric acid in the blood. This results in the formation of crystals resulting in painful inflammation and swelling of the joints which cause pain and redness. The excess uric acid could be due to the presence of purines or if the body produces too much uric acid on its own.

Purines are compounds that when broken down, form uric acid. Usually the kidneys are able to excrete the excess uric acid bringing about a balance. In the case of gout this does not take place fast enough; the uric acid gets accumulated in blood which is known as hyperuricemia. Gout develops when the uric acid crystals deposit around the joints.

Risk Factors for Gout

Genes: A family history of gout places you at an increased risk of developing it.

Other health conditions: High cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes and heart disease are other risk factors.

Medications: High blood pressure medication like diuretic medications or "water pills" can raise uric acid levels. Rheumatoid arthritis patients who take drugs that suppress the immune system may be at an increased risk. .

Gender and age: Gout is more common in men than women until around age 60. Experts believe natural oestrogen protects women up to that point. Once menopause occurs and these hormonal levels drop, women are also at risk for gout.

Diet: Eating red meat and shellfish increases your risk. These are high in purines.

Alcohol: For most people, more than two liquor drinks or two beers a day can increase the risk of gout.

Sodas: The fructose in sweet sodas has recently been shown to increase gout risk.

Obesity: Obese people are at a higher risk for gout, and they tend to develop it at a younger age than people of normal weight.

Bypass surgery: Those who have undergone gastric bypass surgery have an increased risk. This could be due to the fasting and weight loss post the operation.

Gout can be controlled by anti-inflammatory drugs or medicines which lower uric acid levels. A healthy diet and lifestyle is also important at this time

According to the American College of Rheumatology, a diet with high amounts of sea food, red meat, organ meats, sugar laden beverages and alcohol can lead to gout. Animal meat contains a lot of protein and this protein contains purines that lead to gout. Alcohol worsens gout as this affects the removal of uric acid from the body. While fructose and sugary foods may not directly affect uric acid levels in the body, these have been shown to contribute to obesity which is a risk factor for gout. Even refined carbohydrates like white bread, maida and maida based products (cakes, cookies, pasta etc.), white rice, yeast and sugar laden sweets and deserts should be avoided.

Foods to increase include:
• Beans and lentils
• Legumes
• Water (plain) - Start by making simple changes like drinking more water, because dehydration could also trigger gout attacks. One study showed that men who drank five to eight glasses of water in a 24-hour period had a 40% lower risk of gout attacks.
• Dairy (low-fat or fat-free) - Though these contain purines, dairy purines don't seem to cause gout. Low-fat milk and low-fat dairy lower your risk of gout by more than 40%. During a gout attack, low-fat dairy products can help you get rid of extra uric acid through your urine.
• Whole grains (like oats, brown rice, and barley)
• Quinoa
• Sweet potatoes
• Fresh/ cooked fruits and vegetables

Include plenty of foods rich in Vitamin C, studies have shown that these helps to reduce gout attacks. Include strawberries, citrus fruits, capsicum, leafy green vegetables, kiwi fruit etc. A balanced diet with lots of fruit and vegetables also helps maintain a healthy weight. Vegetables that can be eaten safely include spinach, peas, cauliflower and mushrooms. On-going research suggests that cherries or cherry juice may help relieve symptoms of gout. Healthy fats such as flaxseed, nuts, and olive oil help reduce inflammation.