The term Gout came from the Latin word gutta and the French word gote meaning "a drop". These were the terms used to describe this illness where years ago, it was believed to be caused by viscous humor that leaked from the blood to the joints of the body.
In fact, it is not far from what really happens during a Gout Arthritis attack. This is actually an old disease which is now becoming common in younger people. It usually affects men, and some women after their menopause period. Gout is a painful kind of arthritis caused by increased levels of uric acid in the blood. The uric acid crystallizes and lodges in the joints of the body causing tremendous pain.
It is characterized by sudden flare ups of pain that may be felt in the big toe. This mechanism is called podagra. There is corresponding swelling on the other joints like the wrists, ankles, knees, feet, and elbows. Purines are colorless crystalline compounds that when oxidized forms uric acid. They are found abundantly in many foods and in all body tissues. Continually, purines are processed in the body and one of its byproducts is uric acid. When uric acid is excessive in the blood, it normally is excreted in the urine.
When the body cannot excrete excess uric acid, it accumulates in the blood and leaks into the joints where it crystallizes and form uric acid crystals. It then causes inflammation, pain and other symptoms.
There are predisposing factors that contribute to the increase in uric acid in the blood. Obesity is one of the main risks in having Gout arthritis. It usually affects people who are overweight or obese. When a person also eats too much food high in purines, it adds up to the uric acid content of the blood. Purine-high foods are: anchioves, gravies, organ meats like brain, liver, kidneys and gizzard, sardines, sweet breads, asparagus, bacon, beef, bluefish, bouillon, cauliflower, chicken, chicken soup, codfish, crab, duck, goose, ham, kidney beans, lamb, lentils, mushrooms and salmon.
Apple cider vinegar has been hyped by many to be an effective remedy for Gout Arthritis. It is enriched with various vitamins, minerals, bacteria and natural acids that all work together to aid in the body's achievement of health and wellness. The main component of ACV is acetic acid. One of the reasons Gout attacks is the acidity of the blood. Having a blood pH that is acidic can actually cause Gout attacks because too much uric acid in the blood can cause crystallization. Acetic acid, as discussed in other studies, can alkalinize the blood and neutralize acids. One of the byproducts of acetic acid is sodium acetate and it is responsible in making the blood less acidic.
