The History of Gout

September 28, 2024
The End Of GOUT Program™ By Shelly Manning Gout has a close relation with diet as it contributes and can worsen its symptoms. So, it is a primary factor which can eliminate gout. The program, End of Gout, provides a diet set up to handle your gout. It is a therapy regimen for gout sufferers. It incorporates the most efficient techniques and approaches to be implemented in your daily life to heal and control gout through the source.

The History of Gout

Gout has a long and well-documented history, often associated with wealth and indulgence due to its links to rich foods and alcohol. Here’s a brief overview of its history:

Ancient Times

  • Earliest Records: Gout has been recognized for over 4,000 years. The Egyptians documented it as early as 2600 BCE, identifying its painful effects in the big toe.
  • Hippocrates (400 BCE): The Greek physician Hippocrates referred to gout as “the unwalkable disease,” noting its prevalence among older men and associating it with a rich diet and alcohol consumption.

Roman Era

  • A Disease of Affluence: The Romans often called gout “the disease of kings” or “rich man’s disease” due to its association with indulgent lifestyles, particularly overconsumption of food and wine. Notable Roman emperors and philosophers, including Julius Caesar and Seneca, reportedly suffered from gout.

Middle Ages and Renaissance

  • Royal Affliction: During the Middle Ages and Renaissance, gout continued to be linked with royalty and wealthy individuals. Kings such as Henry VIII of England were famously afflicted, highlighting the connection between the disease and excessive eating and drinking.
  • Medicinal Approaches: At this time, treatment was largely herbal or dietary, with an emphasis on trying to avoid foods high in purines, even though the exact cause was still not understood.

17th to 19th Century

  • Modern Understanding Begins: In 1683, English physician Thomas Sydenham, who suffered from gout himself, wrote one of the first detailed descriptions of the disease. He was among the first to distinguish gout from other forms of arthritis.
  • Uric Acid Discovery: In 1797, the chemist William Hyde Wollaston discovered that the crystals found in the joints of people with gout were composed of uric acid, providing a major breakthrough in understanding the disease.

20th Century to Today

  • Better Treatments: With the development of medications like allopurinol and colchicine in the 20th century, gout became much more manageable. These drugs help reduce uric acid levels or alleviate symptoms during flare-ups.
  • Epidemiology: While historically seen as a disease of the affluent, gout is now more widely spread due to lifestyle changes and diet shifts, and it’s common in many parts of the world.

Today, gout is well-understood, with an emphasis on controlling uric acid levels and managing diet to prevent flare-ups. It remains a reminder of the links between lifestyle and health throughout history.

The End Of GOUT Program™ By Shelly Manning Gout has a close relation with diet as it contributes and can worsen its symptoms. So, it is a primary factor which can eliminate gout. The program, End of Gout, provides a diet set up to handle your gout. It is a therapy regimen for gout sufferers. It incorporates the most efficient techniques and approaches to be implemented in your daily life to heal and control gout through the source.