Gout is a type of arthritis in which excess uric acid crystals form in the joints, causing inflammation and pain. It often runs in families, and is especially prevalent in males over the age of 40, although women, usually after menopause, may be affected.

Purines are part of the structure of nucleic acids, molecules that make up DNA. They're present in every cell in the human body. When purines break down, they form uric acid, a waste product normally excreted by the kidneys. Gout is a condition that results from a buildup of uric acid in the body.

Uric acid is formed in the body from the normal breakdown of chemicals called purines, which arise from normal DNA and RNA turnover, from molecules that are the source of energy in cells or from dietary sources. A higher than normal blood uric acid level is called hyperuricemia.

Although once thought of only as a “rich man’s disease," gout can affect nearly anyone, either as a chronic condition or as a side effect of certain medications. You inherit the chronic type of gout. Secondary gout occurs sometimes when you suddenly start specific medicines.

Gout, a form of arthritis, is a condition that causes accumulation and deposition of needle-like crystals in joints and tissues, which leads to swelling and inflammation of joints. Gout is caused by high levels of uric acid. Eating high-protein foods and food containing high levels of purines also causes gout.

Oatmeal doesn’t cause gout, but if you’ve been diagnosed with the condition, your doctor might suggest limiting your oatmeal intake. That’s because oatmeal contains purines which contribute to the form of arthritis known as gout.

Uric acid forms when purines break down in the body. Purines come from certain foods such as organ meats, asparagus, spinach, lentils, beer or wine as well as from the breakdown of proteins in the body.

Gout is a rheumatologic disorder characterized by pain and inflammation in the joints. An attack is brought on by increased uric acid in the body which is a byproduct of purine breakdown. Following a low-purine diet may help prevent attacks or alleviate symptoms. Broccoli is classified as a food that is low in purines.

C-reactive protein is a compound found in higher concentrations in the blood when there is inflammation occurring somewhere in the body. Gout, a condition characterized by pain and inflammation in the joints, can often be partially diagnosed by testing the C-reactive protein level.

Uric acid is a product of purine breakdown. Purines are aromatic organic compounds found in certain foods and beverages.

Purines are substances present in most foods. When your body metabolizes purines during digestion, it forms a waste product called uric acid. Usually the kidneys can eliminate uric acid without difficulty, but in some people, the body makes too much or the kidneys eliminate too little.

When the body breaks down purines, a substance found in human tissue and in many foods, uric acid forms. Uric acid dissolves in the blood and passes through the kidneys and into urine for elimination.