Gout occurs when there’s a build-up of urate crystals in the joints. Urate crystals form when the level of uric acid in your blood is high.

Uric acid is produced when your body breaks down purines (that is present in food items such as meats, anchovies, artichokes, and bean sprouts). In healthy individuals, the body rids itself of any extra uric acid through urine. However, for people suffering from gout, the kidney fails to excrete the excess uric acid. This causes uric acid levels to build up and the crystals to form.

Here’s a Brief Understanding of What Causes High Uric Acid Levels in Blood

1. Kidney problems

The level of uric acid in your blood increases when the kidneys can’t remove the excess uric acid. It can happen due to renal injury, kidney diseases, and even certain medicines

2. Alcohol consumption

One of the biggest reasons for increased uric acid levels is excessive alcohol consumption. Alcohol increases the lactic acid levels which, in turn, can stimulate excessive uric acid production.

3. Obesity

Obese individuals stand at an elevated risk of developing gout. Unhealthy body weight can lead to excessive production of uric acid

4. Age factor

Uric acid content in the blood can increase with age. This is the reason why older people stand at a higher risk of developing gout

5. Food items rich in Purine

Excessive consumption of food items which are rich in Purine increase the production of uric acid in the body

6. Chronic lead poisoning

Kidneys, when affected with lead exposure, fail to excrete excessive uric acid which results in urate build-up.

7. Parathyroid hormones

Uric acid levels in the blood can also increase due to high parathyroid hormone levels. Parathyroid hormone can reduce kidney’s ability to excrete uric acid

8. High sodium intake

High sodium intake can cause the uric acid level to increase

9. Ketogenic diet

Ketogenic diet is associated with elevated blood uric acid levels. A Ketogenic diet reduces the ability of the kidney to excrete uric acid

10. Nutrient deficiencies

Post-menopausal women can have a high level of blood uric acid due to Vitamin D deficiency

11. Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism can impair filtration abilities of the kidney which results in increased levels of uric acid in the blood. Patients with hypothyroidism stand at an increased risk of developing gout

12. Fructose intake

Dietary intake of fructose can raise uric acid levels. Also, it can interfere with the secretion of uric acid in the kidney

13. Cancer

Certain cancers such as Hodgkin’s lymphoma, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, and leukemia are associated with high blood uric acid levels

14. Dehydration

Kidney function is affected when there isn’t adequate water and other fluids in the body

15. Certain medicines

Certain medication/ class of drugs are associated with high blood uric acid levels. Drugs such as diuretics can either lower uric acid secretion or increase uric acid reabsorption.

Get relief from gout with Ayurvedic treatment

When it comes to relieving the symptoms of gout, Ayurvedic remedies work well. Pankajakasthuri Orthoherb (available as tablets and oil) is formulated with natural herbs to provide instant relief to inflammation in the joints.

Apart from providing quick relief, Orthoherb also restores fluid balance in the joints and make them healthier. Learn more about our Orthoherb Tablet and Oil at http://www.pankajakasthuri.in/orthoherb http://www.pankajakasthuri.in/otc/orthoherb-oil