Gout and Kidney Stones

October 18, 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.

Gout and Kidney Stones

Gout and kidney stones are both linked to elevated levels of uric acid in the body. Uric acid is a waste product formed when the body breaks down purines, which are substances found in certain foods and produced by the body. When uric acid levels become too high, it can crystallize in joints, causing gout, or in the kidneys, leading to the formation of kidney stones.

1. How Gout and Kidney Stones are Connected:

  • Uric Acid Build-Up: High levels of uric acid in the blood (hyperuricemia) are a common factor in both gout and uric acid kidney stones. When the kidneys fail to excrete enough uric acid, it can accumulate and form sharp, needle-like crystals in the joints (causing gout) or in the kidneys (forming stones).
  • Uric Acid Kidney Stones: About 10-20% of kidney stones are uric acid stones. These stones form when there’s too much uric acid in the urine, especially in individuals with chronic gout or hyperuricemia. Acidic urine conditions increase the likelihood of uric acid crystals forming in the urinary tract.

2. Symptoms of Uric Acid Kidney Stones:

  • Pain: Severe, sharp pain in the side and back (flank pain), radiating toward the lower abdomen and groin, is a classic symptom of kidney stones.
  • Blood in Urine: Stones can cause irritation and lead to hematuria (blood in the urine).
  • Frequent Urination and Discomfort: The urge to urinate frequently and painful urination are also common.
  • Nausea and Vomiting: Some individuals experience nausea, vomiting, and a general feeling of being unwell.

3. Risk Factors for Both Gout and Kidney Stones:

  • High Uric Acid Levels: People with chronic gout are at a higher risk of developing uric acid kidney stones because their bodies are less efficient at excreting uric acid.
  • Dehydration: Not drinking enough water concentrates uric acid in the urine, increasing the chance of stone formation.
  • Diet: A diet high in purines (found in red meat, shellfish, organ meats) can raise uric acid levels, increasing the risk for both gout attacks and kidney stones.
  • Obesity: Being overweight or obese is another risk factor, as it can contribute to higher uric acid levels.
  • Medications: Diuretics and certain medications can increase uric acid levels, raising the risk for both conditions.

4. Prevention and Treatment:

  • Medications: Uric acid-lowering medications, such as allopurinol or febuxostat, help manage gout and reduce the risk of uric acid stone formation.
  • Hydration: Drinking plenty of water helps dilute the urine, preventing the formation of uric acid crystals in the kidneys.
  • Dietary Changes: Avoiding foods high in purines, reducing alcohol intake, and maintaining a healthy diet low in sugary beverages can help prevent both gout and kidney stones.
  • Alkalinizing the Urine: In some cases, doctors may prescribe medications like potassium citrate to make the urine less acidic, reducing the chances of uric acid crystal formation.

Managing uric acid levels through lifestyle changes and medications can help prevent the occurrence of both gout and uric acid kidney stones.

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.