10 Foods That Cause Gout
Gout is a common type of arthritis that causes intense pain, swelling, and stiffness in a joint. It usually affects the joint in the big toe. Gout attacks can come on quickly and keep returning over time, slowly harming tissues in the region of the inflammation.
Gout is caused initially by an excess of uric acid in the blood, or hyperuricemia. Uric acid is produced in the body during the breakdown of purines—chemical compounds that are found in high amounts in certain foods such as meat, poultry, and seafood.
Gout is more common in men than women. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention report that 8.3 million Americans were affected by gout between 2007 and 2008. Unfortunately, the numbers are steadily rising. Below are 10 foods that can cause gout or worsen the effects of gout.
