Gout
A form of arthritis caused by a build-up of uric acid that forms sharp crystals in a joint, triggering sudden, severe pain, redness, and swelling, often in the big toe.
⚠ Seek medical attention if:
A hot, swollen, intensely painful joint with fever or feeling generally unwell can signal a joint infection (septic arthritis), which is an emergency. Seek urgent medical care to rule this out.
Lifestyle factors
Diets high in red meat, organ meats, and seafood; sugary drinks; excess alcohol, especially beer; carrying excess weight; dehydration; and certain medications
Nutritional factors
High intake of purine-rich foods (red meat, organ meats, some seafood), fructose-sweetened drinks, and alcohol; low fluid intake; good hydration and low-fat dairy may help
Possible medical causes
The body producing too much uric acid or removing too little, kidney disease, some medications such as certain diuretics, high blood pressure, and a family history
Next steps
See a GP for a sudden, severely painful, swollen joint, as gout should be diagnosed and managed medically; treatments can ease attacks and prevent recurrence. Seek urgent care for a hot joint with fever.
Related nutrients (1)
Vitamin C may modestly lower uric acid levels, though it is not a treatment for a gout attack
Food sources: Spinach (cooked) (~18 mg vitamin C per cup cooked), Ginkgo nuts (~15 mg per 30g), Chestnuts (~7 mg per 30g (unusually high for a nut)), Avocado (~10 mg per 100g), Onion (~6 mg per 80g (half an onion)), Garlic (~2.5 mg per 9g), Mint leaf (~3 mg per 10g), Thyme leaf (~4 mg per 3g fresh), Basil leaf (~2 mg per 10g), Potatoes (~20 mg per medium potato (with skin)), Sweet potatoes (~22 mg per medium), Corn (~10 mg per cup), Purple sweet potatoes (~20 mg per medium), Kimchi (~10 mg per 50g), Cassava (~20 mg per 100g cooked), Sauerkraut (~7 mg per 50g), Yam (~12 mg per 100g cooked)
Supplement categories (1)
May modestly lower uric acid in some people; not a treatment for a gout attack, which needs medical care
Cautions: Caution in people prone to kidney stones due to an oxalate metabolite
Related symptoms
Educational information only — not medical advice. This content does not diagnose, treat, or replace consultation with a qualified healthcare professional. Always seek professional medical advice for symptoms, supplement use, or health concerns.