Gout - High Uric Acid - Hyperuricemea

Gout - High Uric Acid - Hyperuricemea

Diagnosing Gout

Uric Acid tests cannot definitively diagnose gout, however, a test for monosodium urate in synovial fluid can.  Synovial fluid is drawn from the affected joint and tested for a diagnosis of Hyperuricemea.  Doctors say diagnostic testing is required for those seeking medication to alleviate the need for dietary restrictions in reducing the crystal/stone producing levels of purine.  Purine is described in biology-based chemistry terms; it occurs at the cellular level.

Genetic Link

Purine and purine derivatives occur naturally in the human body, thus it is said high uric acid levels in some people can be said to be genetic.

Rich Man’s Disease

In the United States, gout was often considered a “rich man’s” disease.  As an example, plantation owners and their families consumed “rich” foods that are high in purine and cause symptoms of gout.

Foods to Avoid

People who have uric acid kidney stones or gout should avoid foods that are high in purine content.  Foods that cause the most trouble in people suffering from gout are;


hearts, herring, mussels, yeast, smelt, sardines, sweetbreads. Foods moderately high in purines include; anchovies, grouse, mutton, veal, bacon, liver, salmon turkey, kidneys, partridge, trout, goose, haddock, pheasant, and scallops. Ultimately, diets shown to be connected to gout are the same kinds of diet linked to cardiovascular disease.  The difference is that cardiovascular disease is linked to high fat content and gout is linked to high protein content.  Alcoholism and/or the consumption of alcohol will exacerbate and aggravate symptoms of gout, as will many prescription drugs.

Medications to Avoid

More than 500 medications can contribute to dryness that is noticed most often in the eyes, mouth, kidneys and bowels.  Medications that cause dryness can affect the urine output of the kidneys.  When urine output is decreased, you will develop symptoms of gout.  Chronic constipation is a sign the body is low on fluids. Medications known for these side effects include antihistamines, anti hypertensive medications, decongestants, pain medications, diuretics and antidepressants. All diuretic Thiazide drugs will cause symptoms of gout.  Aspirin and all drugs containing salicylates will exacerbate and aggravate symptoms of gout.

Diseases Leading to Gout

Gout can be caused by Liver disease, Kidney disease and Wilson disease.  Cancers, including Metastatic cancer, multiple myeloma and leukemia can cause symptoms of gout, as can chemotherapy.  Chronic renal disease, including Acidosis and Toxemia of Pregnancy can also cause symptoms of gout.  Finally, it should be noted that fasting, starvation diets, stress and strenuous exercise can cause symptoms of gout.

ShebolithSays…

In conclusion, ShebolithSays…Good health begins with the individual and the decisions the individual makes in self-healthcare.  Know your own family medical history.  If there seems to be gout, kidney stones, cancer and even alcoholism that run through the family tree, one can reasonably assume that extra care is needed in dietary preferences.  As always, ShebolithSays…recommends moderation in all things including the diet, alcohol consumption and medication consumption.