Gout is a painful inflammation of joints caused by accumulation of uric acid crystals. Uric acid is a normal chemical formed by the breakdown of purines, which in turn are an important component of the human body. Many foods contain purines especially seafood and meat. Unless a patient has a family history or is taking medication that can cause gout such as some diuretics it may be hard to...

Gout is also known as crystal-induced arthritis. It is a medical condition that sets in when uric acid crystals collect on the joints. At the first stage, gout usually affects the large joints in the big toe. Gradually it can spread to other parts of the body, like the ankles, the instep, the heels and the knees, the wrists and fingers of the hand and the elbows. In severe cases, even the...

Cherries have had a long history of being described as the "the healing fruit". Just as cranberries prevent urinary tract infections and an apple-a-day can keep the doctor away, tart cherries are known to stop gout and arthritis pain. But if tart cherries are so good, why haven't you heard more about them? Well first, the FDA doesn't want you to know. In fact, just a few years ago the...

Most fruits and vegetables are high in potassium. Potassium regulates electrolytes in the body and has the ability to get rid of uric acid crystals from the blood. Potassium-rich fruits are bananas, avocados, apricots and cantaloupe. High-potassium vegetables include spinach, potatoes, asparagus, beets and pumpkin. Purines are mostly found in foods which are high in protein and fat...

Finding a gout free diet may be simpler than you first think and it may surprise you to know that are a surprising number of additional benefits that can be had. Having excess uric acid in the blood stream causes gout. When it reaches saturation point, the uric acid crystallizes and deposits itself into the spaces between joints and the soft tissue that surrounds them. These crystals cause...