What is gout?

Gout is a type of arthritis. It is caused by having too much of the chemical, uric acid, in your bloodstream. Uric acid is the waste product created when the body breaks down purines a type of protein found in many foods and all of your cells). Increased levels   of uric acid in your blood may occur if, for example, your kidneys cannot efficiently remove it, you have a rare genetic abnormality, or because your diet and lifestyle increase the amount of uric acid that  you produce. If levels of uric acid are high for prolonged periods, needle-like crystals can start to form in your tissues, resulting in swollen, painful joints.

Your diet plays an important role in both causing gout and reducing the likelihood of suffering further painful attacks of gout. If you already suffer from gout, eating a diet that is rich in purines can result in a five-fold increase in gout attacks.