A gout is a form of arthritis that is characterized by sudden, severe attacks of pain, redness, and swelling in the joints. The condition is caused by a build-up of uric acid in the blood. Although gout is not a common condition, gout does affect million of the population worldwide. Here are 6 strange facts about gout that you may not know:
1. Gout is More Common in Men:
Gout is more common in men than women. This is likely because the protective effects of estrogen are absent in men. Estrogen appears to decrease uric acid levels and protect the joints from inflammation. Additionally, men are more likely to have high blood pressure and obesity, both of which are risk factors for gout.
2. Eating Red Meat Isn't The Only Thing That Causes Gout:
Foods that are high in purines, like red meat, can increase the risk of gout, but they are not the only cause. Other factors that can increase your risk include obesity, drinking alcohol, and having a family history of gout.
3. Gout Can Affect Anyone at Any Age:
Gout can also occur in young people who have not yet reached adulthood. In fact, gout is becoming increasingly common in young people. This may be due to the trend towards eating more high-purine foods, such as red meat and seafood.
4. Gout Can Cause Serious Health Problems If It's Not Treated:
If you have gout, it's important to get it treated. Left untreated, gout can cause serious health problems. These health problems may include:
Kidney stones
Joint damage
Heart disease
High blood pressure
5. Some People With Gout Experience No Symptoms At All:
Gout is a type of arthritis that results when uric acid levels in the blood become too high. For many people, gout causes severe pain and swelling in the joints. But for some people, gout can cause no symptoms at all. In fact, up to 50 per cent of people with gout may not experience any symptoms. This is known as asymptomatic gout. However, this doesn't mean that this group of people will not have other health conditions due to constant high uric acid levels.
6. Gout Does Not Only Occur In Big Toe:
Many people believe that gout is most commonly found in the big toe area. It can also affect other joints, including the ankle, knee, and elbow.
Conclusion
In conclusion, here are five strange facts about gout you may not have known. Gout is a type of arthritis that is caused by a build-up of uric acid crystals in the joints. It can cause severe pain, inflammation, and swelling. Some people may be more at risk for developing gout than others.
There are some things you can do to help reduce your risk of getting gout, such as eating a healthy diet and exercising regularly. To manage body uric acid levels for long-term health benefits, you can take supplements like CrystaGuard.
Related read:
