Description
The normal body processing of Purine ( protein substances that are found naturally in our diets) by the liver results in an end product called uric acid which then gets excreted by the kidneys. A build-up of uric acid occurs when the body has difficulty eliminating uric acid through the kidneys and urine, or in some cases, when the body produces too much uric acid. Dietary intake of rich foods - red meat, cream sauces, red wine and brandy can put more uric acid into the bloodstream than the kidneys can filter. When uric acid builds up in the blood, it begins to crystallize over time and settles in the joint spaces which irritates the joint lining and causes severe joint inflammation, or an acute gout attack. Left untreated, acute gout attacks can last for hours to weeks. The average time between the first attack and a recurrence is about 1 year unless some preventative treatment occurs. Over time, untreated gout may result in attacks that are more frequent and longer in duration...