It is commonly found that there exists a definite connection between gout attacks and alcohol consumption. People who consume more of alcohol, especially beer, are prone to getting attacks of gout than teetotalers, for that matter. Why exactly does this happen? What is the reason for alcohol triggering off a gout attack? These questions can be answered once we get a basic idea of gout and its causes.
We have a substance called purines in our body's cells, which break down and are responsible for the production of uric acid, a very important chemical that is required by our body to protect the blood vessels. But sometimes, due to various reasons, the uric acid levels in our body become very high and the kidneys are unable to eliminate it through urine. This leads to the formation of uric acid crystals or monosodium urate crystals being deposited in the tendons, joints, kidneys, etc, leading to a form of arthritis known as gout. It is this problem which causes inflammation in one or several of the joints in the body, leading to redness, swelling, heat, and of course, agonizing pain in the area affected.
