Gout is a type of arthritis characterized by the buildup of uric acid in the blood which eventually crystallizes in the joints. Gout can affect the wrist, fingers, knees, elbows but it most frequently affects the big toe.

Why the buildup of uric acid?

Uric acid is formed when purines are broken down by the body. Purines of itself is not a bad thing, in fact purine play several vital roles in the life process.

Purines:

• Are involved in the process of converting genes to proteins.
• Convert the energy produced by our food molecules in such a way that our cells can use them for our good.
• Act as messengers in the cellular signaling process.  
• Rid cells of excess nitrogen.
• Protect cells from cancer-causing agents.

Gout results in people who do not have sufficient quantities of the digestive enzyme uricase and as a result there is a buildup or uric acid in the blood and tissues which later gets deposited as crystals in the joints.

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