Gout comes down to one simple biological process. Purines in food get broken down into uric acid, which accumulates in to body and causes gout attacks. Everyone has different amounts of uric acid in their blood because people process purines and excrete uric acid at different rates. The only way to know how foods affect you personally and how close you are to an attack is to get tested. On this site, we review different brands of uric acid meters so that you can acquire the knowledge you need in order to reduce or eliminate your gout attacks.
If you suffer from gout, it's time to take personal control of your condition. High uric acid levels in your blood are the cause of gout, and making the right dietary and lifestyle choices that can affect the frequency and duration of gout attacks. Like testing blood sugar levels for diabetics, uric acid testing is the ONLY way to know how close you are to getting an attack, and whether or not you have your gout under control. Before the development of home uric acid test systems, the only reliable gout test available was through a visit to your doctor's office and a lab.
Today, you can receive the results of your blood uric acid level at home. Simple-to-use handheld meters can give you feedback within seconds instead of days waiting for lab reports. Frequent uric acid testing can help guide you make the right dietary choices, and it is now very easy to test at home. There are several brands of uric acid meters, and we review them for you.
"Gout, an inflammatory form of arthritis, results from a buildup of uric acid in the blood to a point where it can no longer remain in solution and instead forms crystals that lodge within the joints -- most often in the big toe, but sometimes in the ankles, knees, wrists, fingers and elbows.
Uric acid is normally formed in the body when purines are metabolized. Purines are found in large amounts in high-protein foods like red meat, especially organ meats, and seafood, especially sardines, anchovies and other oily fish and shellfish, as well in some vegetables like asparagus.
The crippling pain occurs suddenly, often overnight, followed by warmth, swelling, reddish or purplish discoloration and extreme tenderness of the affected joint. The pain can be so severe that a blanket, clothing or even a breeze across the inflamed joint can seem unbearable. Attacks typically last for hours or days, with or without treatment, although some people suffer for weeks." (Source: NY Times May 25th 2004)
"Uric acid is a chemical created when the body breaks down substances called purines. Purines are found in some foods and drinks, such as liver, anchovies, mackerel, dried beans and peas, beer, and wine. Purines are also a part of normal body substances, such as DNA.
Most uric acid dissolves in blood and travels to the kidneys, where it passes out in urine. If your body produces too much uric acid or doesn't remove enough of it, you may get sick. High levels of uric acid in the body is called hyperuricemia." (Source: NY Times August 10th, 2009)
If you are looking for a real time gout test and real answers then owning your own uric acid meter may be your best solution.
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