Gout is a medical condition that is known as a form of acute inflammatory arthritis. Gout usually begins in the big toe. Gout causes inflammation, pain, and redness in the joints. If gout is left untreated it can spread to other joints in the body. Gout is caused by the buildup of uric acid in the blood. Foods that have a high content of purines should be avoided. Your diet can play a major role in preventing gout attacks. A nutritionist can help you with a diet sheet that consists of foods that are low in purines. It is called a gout diet. Fatigue and high fever are other symptoms of gout. Gout can limit your daily activity because you may not be able to wear shoes from your joints being swollen. Gout is really painful too. People who suffer from metabolic disorders often suffer from cases of gout. Diuretics have been known to cause gout attacks. You can learn how to reduce uric acid levels in the body that causes gout attacks by following a low purine diet. You must not cut purines out all together. You must eat foods that contain purines only in light to moderate amounts. Gout is more common in middle-aged men. Gout can attack women too. People who have gout should not drink alcohol as alcohol can increase the uric acid levels in the body. By eating a healthy well balanced diet, you can prevent most gout attacks. Sudden burning pain, swelling, and stiffness is usually the first signs that you are having a gout attack. If you start to feel any of these symptoms in your big toe, then you should see a doctor as soon as possible. Gout is known to affect about 6 million people in the United States alone. Don’t let gout get the best of you.