Causes of Gout

Gout is a form of inflammatory arthritis caused by too much uric acid in the blood (hyperuricaemia). When uric acid is high, needle-shaped crystals can form in joints and trigger sudden, intense inflammation.

Why uric acid rises

Uric acid is made when the body breaks down purines, found in many foods and in our own cells. It is normally filtered out by the kidneys. Gout develops when the body makes too much uric acid or, more often, the kidneys remove too little.

Common triggers and risk factors

• Alcohol, especially beer and spirits
• Purine-rich foods: organ meats, red meat, some seafood such as sardines and shellfish
• Sugary drinks and fructose
• Obesity and rapid weight change or crash diets
• Dehydration and heavy sweating
• Kidney disease
• High blood pressure, diabetes and high cholesterol
• Medicines: water tablets (diuretics), low-dose aspirin and some others
• Family history of gout
• Male sex, and women after menopause
• Recent surgery, injury or illness can set off a flare

Why a flare starts

A sudden rise or fall in uric acid, or an injury, can release crystals into the joint fluid, and the immune system reacts.

Ayurvedic view

Ayurveda describes a similar pattern under Vatarakta, with aggravated Vata and impure blood. This is an interpretive framework, not a proven mechanism.

Key point

High uric acid alone does not always cause gout, but it raises the risk. Finding the causes helps prevent flares.

Before your appointment

Carry earlier uric acid and kidney reports, a list of all medicines and supplements, and notes on which joints hurt, when flares started and what you ate or drank beforehand. Tell your doctor about any kidney stones, diabetes, blood pressure or family history of gout.