Gout and the Status of its Relationships with..

Gout and the Status of its Relationships with Hypertension (Complicated), Alcohol (Married) and Fructose (Single)

Approximately one third of those diagnosed with gout have an accompanying illness like hypertension. Is there a link between the two?

Gout is just another form of arthritis (inflammation in your joints)

It can be described as a severe and sudden pain accompanied by tenderness and redness of the involved joint. The most common joint involved is the joint between your foot and the big toe. Gout is caused by elevated uric acid levels in your blood. Uric acid comes from some foods we eat and drinks we consume like beans (dried), mackerel, anchovies, liver, peas, highly acid forming foods, processed and sugary foods, and alcohol.

Hypertension is a rise in your blood pressure

There are two types of hypertension, primary (essential) and secondary. The main difference between the two is the cause. In primary hypertension the cause is unknown or can't be identified. On the other hand, secondary hypertension means that the cause can be determined and should be addressed or treated. Early intervention in secondary hypertension can bring your blood pressure to normal levels.

Some people experience an increase in their blood pressure when they have an acute attack of gout. The exact link between the two is poorly understood and remains to be demonstrated in experimental studies. It is unclear whether gout causes hypertension or hypertension causes gout. This is where it can get a bit complicated - It has been recognised that excess uric acid can block the enzyme which produces nitric oxide. Nitric oxide is vital for dilating your blood vessels and lowering your blood pressure. A decrease in the levels of nitric oxide will not dilate your blood vessels and your blood pressure remains high. However, in contrast, experts in the field also know that some medications used in the lowering of high blood pressure can actually contribute to your chances of developing gout. (Fortunately for the general population, these antihypertensive drugs have been identified.)

On the other hand, the link between alcohol and gout has been well established by recent medical studies (bad news for beer drinkers!). They're like an old married couple who always argue with each other. Alcohol increases uric acid levels in the blood. Alcoholic beverages contain purines which after digestion in our intestines are converted to uric acid. The yeast residues in alcoholic drinks especially wine and beer enable them to possess higher purine content. Excess alcohol leads to excess production of uric acid. It's that simple. Solution? Drink moderately and wisely.

How about sugars like fructose? Does a link exist between gout and fructose?

Yes. The popular sweetener utilized in processed foods like soft drinks and naturally present in fruit juices (sugar is also half fructose: sugar = 1 glucose + 1 fructose) also increase the levels of uric acid in your blood. The bottom line is this, fructose alone can overload and shock your liver. As a response, the liver reacts by breaking down purines which ultimately results in the increase of uric acid levels. Fructose is a very common ingredient found in soft drinks, fruit juices, cereals, candy and ice creams. Many fast food chains also use fructose in the foods they serve. Remember, fructose can single-handedly increase your uric acid levels.

The comforting news is that if you have gout, there are a few things you can do to improve your health. Refrain from eating anything in excess (e.g alcohol, fructose and sugar containing foods, fast foods, highly acidic foods, and high purine containing foods) which are unhealthy for you and which we recommend you limit intake of (yes you, the one diagnosed with gout or at risk of developing gout). Please be conscious of what you eat. In essence, one word should ultimately describe your relationship status with these risk factors for gout: DIVORCE (pun intended of course).