When a person has gout, the body does not produce enough of the digestive enzyme uricase, which oxidizes insoluble uric acid into a highly soluble compound. Subsequently, uric acid accumulates in the blood and tissues and crystallizes. It can be especially bothersome to the joints of the big toe, but other joints can be vulnerable.
Acute pain is usually the first symptom.
The affected joints become inflamed, red swollen, hot and extremely sensitive to touch. Approximately 90 percent of gout sufferers are male. It may be inherited or brought on by crash dieting, drinking, certain medications, overeating, stress, surgery, or joint injury. When gout strikes, eat only raw fruits and vegetables for two weeks. Drink distilled or filtered water only, not tap water.