Gout: Most Effective Supplements

Gout is an inflammatory rheumatic disease resulting from deposits of sodium urate crystals in joints and surrounding tissues. These crystals form when uric acid levels in the blood are excessively high (hyperuricemia). Gout manifests as acute attacks of intense joint pain and is often linked to metabolic disorders or genetic predisposition.

Causes and Mechanisms of Gout

Gout is essentially caused by hyperuricemia, which results from an imbalance between the production and elimination of uric acid. Uric acid is a byproduct of the breakdown of purines, molecules present in certain foods (such as red meat, seafood) and produced naturally by the body. Uric acid is a waste product of purine metabolism, which are essential components of DNA and RNA. Usually, this acid is eliminated by the kidneys, but when renal excretion is insufficient or its production is excessive, sodium urate crystals form and deposit in the joints, triggering inflammation. About 90% of hyperuricemia cases are due to insufficient renal elimination. However, uric acid also plays a protective role as an antioxidant in body fluids, which explains why the body retains some of this acid despite its toxicity at high concentrations. When uric acid levels in the blood exceed 7 to 8 mg/dl, crystals start forming and depositing, leading to gout symptoms.

Risk Factors

Several factors increase the risk of developing gout, including: 6 Genetic predisposition: Gout tends to affect families with a history of the disease. 6 Sex and age: Men over 40 are more frequently affected, although postmenopausal women are also at risk. 6 Metabolic syndrome: Disorders such as hypertension, obesity, and diabetes increase the risk of gout. 6 Diet: Excessive consumption of foods high in purines (such as organ meats, red meat, seafood), as well as alcohol (especially beer) and sugary drinks, favors uric acid elevation. 6 Certain medications: Diuretics, low-dose aspirin, and some medications used for chemotherapy can disrupt uric acid elimination. 6 Kidney failure: Reduced elimination of uric acid by the kidneys promotes hyperuricemia.

Symptoms of Gout

Gout is characterized by sudden and intense joint pain attacks, often localized in the big toe, but can also affect other joints such as the ankle, knee, fingers, and wrist. The main symptoms include: 6 Night pains: Attacks frequently occur at night, with sharp and throbbing pain. 6 Local inflammation: The affected joint becomes red, hot, and swollen. 6 Recurrent attacks: Without treatment, attacks can become more frequent and affect multiple joints. Besides joint pain, untreated gout can lead to serious complications: 6 Chronic gout: Repeated attacks can cause permanent joint damage. 6 Urate nephropathy: Accumulation of crystals in the kidneys can lead to kidney stones and, in severe cases, renal failure. 6 Tophus: These crystal deposits can cause deformities and functional impairments in the joints.

Treatment and Prevention

During a gout attack, treatment aims to quickly relieve pain and inflammation: 6 Medications: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), low-dose colchicine, and corticosteroids are used to alleviate the attack. 6 Rest and ice: Resting the affected joint and applying ice is recommended to reduce inflammation. For long-term management and to prevent future attacks, it is essential to control uric acid levels in the blood: 6 Uric acid-lowering drugs: Allopurinol and febuxostat are prescribed to lower uricemia and prevent the formation of new crystals. 6 Hydration: Drinking 1.5 to 2 liters of water per day helps eliminate uric acid. 6 Dietary changes: It is advised to limit foods high in purines, reduce alcohol consumption, especially beer, and avoid sugary drinks. Preventing gout relies on an adapted diet, hydration, and management of risk factors such as obesity and metabolic disorders. Regular medical monitoring is strongly advised to adjust treatment and control uricemia.