Too much uric acid also can result when the body produces a normal amount of the substance, but excretes too little of it in the urine. Your risk of gout increases if you have a high level of uric acid in your blood. However, some people with high uric acid develop gout, while others do not. High levels of uric acid result from either excess production of uric acid or decreased excretion of uric acid in the urine. Historically, gout was believed to be a disease of the wealthy because it seemed to result from eating rich foods and drinking too much alcohol.
Experts now agree diet has little effect on uric acid levels compared with medications.
Many factors may cause the body to produce more uric acid or excrete less of it through the kidneys. Medical conditions and medications. Certain disorders, diseases and medical conditions may play a role in the production of excess uric acid or interfere with your body's ability to efficiently excrete uric acid. Surgery, sudden or severe illness or injury, and immobility due to bed rest can also increase uric acid levels. Chemotherapy treatments for cancer may increase the breakdown of abnormal cells, releasing large amounts of purines into your blood.