Gout and the kidneys

Gout is usually associated with the joints, in particular the joint of the big toe.

However very serious problems can arise when damage is done to the kidneys.

There are many contributing factors in the formation of uric acid crystals.

Crystallisation occurs when the solution in which a salt is suspended becomes too concentrated to allow any more to dissolve.

Acidity (low pH) of the fluid in which the urate is dissolved is also a factor.

Low pH makes it easier for uric acid to crystallise

Both of these conditions, high concentration & low pH, are prevalent in the kidneys

The main function of the kidneys is to eliminate waste from the body, and to concentrate that waste before it leaves the body.

Hence in someone with elevated uric acid concentration, this factor is even higher in the kidneys.

Also one of the functions of the kidneys is to excrete hydrogen ions from the body.

In doing this the fluid in the kidneys becomes more acidic.

Two of the most important factors required to create uric acid crystals are found in the one place!

Repeated attacks of gout can create accumulations of uric acid crystals called tophi.

While tophi normally form under the skin, they can also be found in the kidneys.

In past days, patients whose kidneys were affected could move swiftly all the way through to kidney failure!

These days of course we have medication to treat hyperuricaemia.

But these can have some pretty serious side effects

Including dermatitis, hypersensitivity, diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting and hair loss!

There are known natural ways to prevent gout.

Many foods are high in gout-causing purines, while other foods help the body remove excess uric acid from the body

Treating gout either through medication or naturally is not only protecting the joints

It is also helping prevent ongoing problems with the kidneys too

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