In the United States alone, approximately 2 million people suffer from gout attacks. Gout is often referred to as an extremely painful form of arthritis that affects the joints, tendons, and other bodily tissues. 'Gouty arthritis' predominately attacks males after puberty, with a peak age of 75. Women who are post- menopausal and/or hypertensive may also suffer from gout. Gout often develops as the result of hyperuricemia.
Hyperuricemia is the development of elevated uric acid levels in the bloodstream. High concentration of uric acid in the body is potentially dangerous as it can lead to kidney stones and/or kidney failure. People who suffer with gout attacks generally consume foods that are rich in the chemical called purine. The purines are broken down into uric acid which is normally excreted by the kidney and through the urine.