What Causes Gout?

Learn what elements are often responsible for triggering attacks of gout

Various blood disorders, kidney disease, or even lead poisoning can lead to gout. Research also suggests that excess uric acid is sometimes created by your body when you're under a great deal of stress, overworked, or harboring suppressed hostility and anger. Other triggers for gout attacks include:

• Direct trauma to a gouty joint
• Sudden drops in the body's pH level (where the body becomes more acidic)
• Exposure to cold temperatures, which causes uric acid to crystallize in joints

Gout also has a genetic component, although a family history doesn't guarantee you will develop the problem.

Because many the causes of gout are related to lifestyle, natural treatments for gout are often effective.

More Dr. Williams Advice on Gout

• How you can prevent gout attacks without drugs
• How conventional physicians usually treat gout