Gout: the most effective dietary supplements

Gout is an inflammatory rheumatic disease that results from deposits of sodium urate crystals in the joints and surrounding tissues. These crystals form when uric acid levels in the blood are excessive (hyperuricemia). Gout presents with acute attacks of intense joint pain and is often associated with metabolic disorders or a genetic predisposition.

Causes and Mechanisms of Gout

Gout is essentially caused by hyperuricemia, which arises from an imbalance between the production and elimination of uric acid. Uric acid is a byproduct of purine breakdown, molecules found in certain foods (such as red meats, seafood) and produced naturally by the body. Uric acid is a waste product of purine metabolism, which are essential components of DNA and RNA. Normally, this acid is eliminated by the kidneys, but when renal excretion is insufficient or its production is excessive, sodium urate crystals form and deposit in the joints, triggering inflammation. Nearly 90% of hyperuricemia cases are due to insufficient renal excretion. However, uric acid also plays a protective role as an antioxidant in body fluids, which explains why the body retains some of this acid despite its toxicity at high concentrations. When blood uric acid levels exceed 7 to 8 mg/dL, crystals begin to form and deposit, leading to gout symptoms.

Risk Factors

Several factors increase the risk of developing gout, including: • Genetic predisposition: Gout tends to affect families with a history of the disease. • Sex and age: Men over 40 are more frequently affected, although postmenopausal women are also at risk. • Metabolic syndrome: Disorders such as hypertension, obesity, and diabetes increase the risk of gout. • Diet: Excessive consumption of purine-rich foods (such as organ meats, red meats, seafood), as well as alcohol (particularly beer) and sugary drinks, promotes elevated uric acid. • Certain medications: Diuretics, low-dose aspirin, and some chemotherapy drugs can disrupt uric acid elimination. • Renal insufficiency: Reduced elimination of uric acid by the kidneys promotes hyperuricemia.

Symptoms of Gout

Gout is characterized by sudden, intense joint pain attacks, often localized to the big toe, but it can also affect other joints such as the ankle, knee, fingers, and wrist. Main symptoms include: • Nighttime pain: Attacks frequently occur at night, with sharp, throbbing pain. • Local inflammation: The affected joint becomes red, warm, and swollen. • Recurrent attacks: Without treatment, attacks can become more frequent and affect multiple joints. Besides joint pain, untreated gout can lead to serious complications: • Chronic gout: Repeated attacks can permanently damage the joints. • Urate nephropathy: Crystal accumulation in the kidneys can cause kidney stones and, in severe cases, renal failure. • Tophus: These crystal deposits can cause deformities and functional impairment of the joints.

Treatment and Prevention

During a gout attack, treatment aims to quickly relieve pain and inflammation: • Medications: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), low-dose colchicine, and corticosteroids are used to lessen the attack. • Rest and ice: It is recommended to rest the affected joint and apply ice to reduce inflammation. For long-term treatment and to prevent future attacks, it is essential to control blood uric acid levels: • Urate-lowering agents: Allopurinol and febuxostat are prescribed to lower serum uric acid and prevent the formation of new crystals. • Hydration: Drinking 1.5 to 2 liters of water per day helps eliminate uric acid. • Dietary changes: It is advisable to limit purine-rich foods, reduce alcohol consumption, particularly beer, and avoid sugary drinks. Prevention of gout relies on an appropriate diet, proper hydration, and management of risk factors such as obesity and metabolic disorders. Regular medical follow-up is strongly recommended to adjust treatment and control uricemia.