Advice from our Woman’s Weekly doctor
Uric acid (urate) is made in the body during metabolism, passed out in urine and faeces, and usually harmless. In gout, the blood levels of uric acid build up until tiny, grit-like crystals form, which collect in a joint, causing inflammation, swelling and pain – a gout attack.
Inexplicably, some people with high uric acid levels don’t form crystals, while some with normal levels get gout, but generally, high levels increase the risk.
A normal balanced diet shouldn’t affect uric acid level but purine-rich foods, including some seafood, meats, and certain vegetables and dried beans, as well
