A gout is a form of arthritis which can cause you to experience debilitating pain in the joints all over your body. This is mainly caused by a buildup of uric acid in the body which leads to the inflammation of various joints but those mostly around the feet and toes. It is estimated that most men, between the ages of 30 to 50 are susceptible to attacks of gout. Furthermore, you may be predisposed to the condition due to genetics. This condition can be painful which is why it is essential that you take a closer look at some of its causes as well as risk factors associated with it.

Causes of gout
Gout can be caused due to various factors but is mainly caused by the buildup of uric acid in the body. In other words, unlike most other conditions, gout can be caused by abnormalities in your metabolism rather than your immune system. This is why it is important that you pay close attention to your diet especially if you are predisposed and are at high risk from gout.

• Purine-rich food items : As your body consumes purine, your digestive juices break it down and uric acid happens to be one of the by-products of the same. Usually, the uric acid is expelled from your body in the form of urine but if the acid forms faster than your body can expel it, then it can crystallize in the joints, thereby inflaming them and causing gout.
• Beer : You may want to avoid drinking beer in excess as it is mainly derived from yeast which is yet another purine-rich source. You can drink nominal amounts but drinking beer in excess can lead to a severe attack of gout.
• High fructose beverages : High fructose beverages can cause uric acid to build up in your body and even prevent the same from being expelled from your body. This can end up in a severe attack of gout.

Risk factors
The following are some of the risk factors that can cause you to become afflicted with gout.

• Obesity : Obesity is fast becoming a worldwide epidemic and it can cause a wide variety of health problems from cardiovascular diseases to blood pressure. But it is also known to increase uric acid levels in your body which will cause gout.
• Genetics : If both your parents suffer from gout, then chances are that you are most likely to get the same. You would be at high risk of developing gout under the right circumstances.
• Medical causes : You may be taking medication to help combat other health issues from diabetes to lymphoma. These medications can impair the functioning of your kidney and can prevent uric acid from being expelled from your body. As a result, you may develop gout.

These are some of the risk factors and causes of gout. Being aware of them can help with early diagnosis and treatment of the condition.