There are many gout causes identified by doctors, but you'll need to keep track of what you eat and drink to determine what causes gout episodes for you. Gout is triggerd by increased levels of uric acid in your blood, which results in crystallized uric acid in your joints. For some reason, these crystals tend to collect in the lower extremities, especially in toes. Start tracking everything you eat and drink and marking your episodes of gout so you can figure out what foods and beverages are causing your pains.
Watch out for these common gout causes as you search for your triggers:
Drinking Too Much Alcohol
Beer appears to be the number one offender, but all alcohol can cause gout.
Eating Too Much Red Meat
Order a piece of chicken instead of that steak the next time you're out.
Eating Too Many Organs
Liver should be off limits now. Eliminate all consumption of organs and get your iron from a supplement instead.
Eating Too Much Shellfish
Some people notice a difference when they eliminate shellfish from the diet; others tolerate shellfish without any problems.
Eating Too Much Oily Fish
While salmon is good for your brain, it's not so good for those who suffer from gout.
Taking Certain Prescription Meds
Ask your doctor if any of the medications you take might be triggering your gout. In many cases, an alternative medication can be prescribed that will not cause gout. Common triggers include hypertension medications, nicotinic acid, cyclosporine A, allopurinol and probenecid.
Using the Wrong Pain Killer
Aspirin can cause gout, so lay off the aspirin and give Aleve or ibuprofen a try. Unless, of course, you take aspirin to thin your blood. If so, you will have to weigh your options and decide if the gout is worth the reduced chance of heart disease.
Not Drinking Enough Water
Dehydration can trigger gout, so down an extra glass or two of water a day to see if you can't ward off gout by staying hydrated.
Losing Weight Rapidly
Sometimes rapid weight loss can trigger an episode of gout. Pace yourself and try not to lose more than a pound a week.
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