Gout Causes and Cures  gout curesGout is caused by an excessive
build up of uric acid in the body. This could be the result of
kidneys being unable to excrete sufficient amounts or the body
producing uric acid in excessive amounts. High levels of uric
acid in the blood is termed Hyperuricemia. This can in some
instances be a precursor of gout. However, a significant number
of people may have hyperuricemia but never go on to develop
gout. This condition is known as asymptomatic hyperuricemia. On
the other hand, counter-intuitively, some gout sufferers when
tested are found to have low levels of uric acid in the
bloodstream. Consequently, blood tests for uric acid are not a
reliable basis for a diagnosis of gout.  An attack of gout
occurs when uric acid crystallizes and these crystals are
deposited in the joints causing painful arthritic inflammation
of the joint. The most common joint affected is the base of the
big toe, followed by ankles and knees. Gout usually affects only
one joint at a time. The most reli