It is estimated that over 6 million adults suffer from gout. Despite this large number, like other rheumatic conditions, being diagnosed with gout may be a surprise especially to those who are relatively young. Many people find themselves wondering what they did to cause them to get this disease.
Question: What Causes Gout?
Scientists have discovered a number of risk factors associated with gout. These risk factors include:
- Genetics – Many people who suffer from gout have a family history of the disease.
- Gender – Studies have found that it is more common for women to get gout than men
- Age – Adults are much more likely to develop gout than children
- Weight – Being overweight is believed to increase the chances of developing gout
- Excess Alcohol consumption– Drinking in excess may lead to hyperuricemia
- Diet – Eating foods rich in purines can irritate those already suffering from gout. These foods include but are not limited too anchovies, asparagus, game meats, gravy, herring, liver, mushrooms, scallops etc.
- Other health issues may also lead some people to develop gout including high blood pressure and hypothyroidism
Just because you may eat purine rich foods or have a family member who suffers from gout does not mean you will develop gout however, it is a reason to pay attention to your health. Understanding your disease and what you can do to lessen its impacts on your body is important. Don’t wait till it hurts, treat your disease right away with the help of a skilled and knowledgeable rheumatologist at the Arthritis Institute of Michigan.
Rheumatologist Flushing MI
Understanding that there was a need for a skilled and caring Rheumatologist in southern Michigan, Dr. Dowd founded the Arthritis Institute of Michigan in 1998. A state of the art facility located in Brighton MI, the Arthritis Institute of Michigan is located just 45 minutes from Flushing MI. If you live near Flushing MI and are looking for a rheumatologist, contact us today at 810.225.7553 or fill out the form below.