Gout is said to be the rich mans affliction, simply because he lives a life of ease, indulges in the alcohol, and eats mainly luxury foods. Of course this attitude comes from way back through the centuries when only rich people could afford to indulge themselves.
Now a days information is more precise and although excess alcohol plays a role in it gout is usually a lack of purine neutralizing foods such as fruit and vegetables and a lazy lifestyle.
Gout is in fact a common form of arthritis; it is an inflammation of the joints, It can come on suddenly and within 12 to 24 hours the patient is in acute pain. The big toe is usually the first joint to come under attack, severe pain followed by swelling and it becomes bright red and shiny.
The ball of the big toe is the commonest joint to become affected but it can also affect the foot and ankle. If no treatment is given it usually recovers in a week or ten days, it may then be many months or years before it occurs again.
Gout develops when a persons uric acid is higher than normal, it is wise to start eating a healthy diet and limit the amount of alcohol you drink. These foods should be avoided, foods such as liver, kidneys, tripe, sweetbreads and tongue. Excessive amounts of red meat, shellfish and fish roe, peas, lentils and beans are not suitable vegetables.
If you are overweight it would be sensible to reduce your weight it could be very important. Also if you are on medication for high blood pressure it may need to be altered. Your lifestyle is an important factor with gout and as it is such a painful affliction you would be very wise to follow any health advice given to you.
