Gout and Uric Acid

Gout is a type of arthritis that develops when blood uric acid levels are abnormally high. 

The uric acid forms crystals in the joints, often in the feet and big toes, which causes severe and painful swelling.

For this reason, anything that can reduce the amount of uric acid in our body should have a positive impact on gout.

A number of studies indicate vitamin C may help reduce uric acid in the blood, which could protect against gout flares.

For example, a study of almost 47,000 men over a 20-year period found that those taking a vitamin C supplement had a 44 percent lower gout risk.

When our body breaks down purines, it makes uric acid. Purines are present in our body and found in the foods we eat.

The risk of gout flares can be reduced by limiting our intake of foods high in purines, such as: red meat (beef, pork, and lamb), seafood (shellfish, tuna, and sardines), organ/glandular meats (kidney, sweetbreads, and liver).