From Diet to DNA: Understanding Gout's Real Triggers

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Welcome to the 40 through 99 podcast. Healthcare research and news to help you age better. This podcast is for information purposes. It is not medical advice.

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Tom: 00:00:19

Okay. For everyone over 40 who's listening and wants to stay healthy, let's talk about something that might make a few of you cringe a little bit. Gout.

Jane: 00:00:27

Yeah, it's definitely something we see more of as we get older.

Tom: 00:00:31

For sure. And, you know, we've all heard that whole thing about gout being a rich man's disease. You know, all the kings and queens and huge feasts.

Jane: 00:00:37

Right.

Tom: 00:00:37

But some new research is really making us rethink that idea.

Jane: 00:00:40

Definitely. And this is some really interesting stuff. A new study came out in Nature Genetics. They took a look at over two and a half million people.

Tom: 00:00:49

Wow.

Jane: 00:00:49

Yeah. A huge group. And over 120,000 of those people actually had gout.

Tom: 00:00:56

Wow. So a really big study.

Jane: 00:00:58

Exactly. And they found this really fascinating thing. They actually identified 377 different places in our DNA that are connected to gout.

Tom: 00:01:06

Wait, 377? So you're saying it's not just about having one too many glasses of wine or that big cheese plate.

Our genes have a lot more to do with it than we thought.

Jane: 00:01:15

It's definitely a lot more complex than we used to think. A lot of those 377 genes were completely unknown before this study.

And a lot of them have to do with how our bodies deal with uric acid and inflammation.

Tom: 00:01:26

So that's the stuff that causes the pain?

Jane: 00:01:29

Right. Yeah.

And, you know, one of the experts who worked on the study actually said gout is a chronic disease with a genetic basis and is not the fault of the sufferer. The myth that gout is caused by lifestyle or diet needs to be busted.

Tom: 00:01:44

That's a pretty big statement. I bet that's a relief to hear for a lot of people who felt like they were doing something wrong.

Jane: 00:01:49

I'm sure it is. But of course, it's not like what we eat and drink doesn't matter at all. Our lifestyle choices still play a part.

Tom: 00:01:57

Right, Right. So for those of us who maybe need a refresher, what exactly is gout. And what makes it so painful?

Jane: 00:02:04

Okay, so basically, gout happens when you have too much uric acid in your blood. Uric acid is just a natural waste product, but when you get too much of it, it can form these little sharp crystals.

And those crystals like to build up in your joints, usually starting with your big toe.

Tom: 00:02:19

Ouch I've heard that one before.

Jane: 00:02:20

Right. It's like the classic image we see in those old paintings.

Tom: 00:02:23

Exactly. It's like those crystals are little tiny needles, and when they get stuck in your joint, your immune system goes haywire.

Jane: 00:02:30

Exactly. It triggers this big inflammatory response, and that's what causes all that pain.

Tom: 00:02:35

Wow. So it's basically your own body attacking itself. No wonder it hurts so much.

Jane: 00:02:41

Yeah, it can be really debilitating. Some people can't even walk or stand when they have a gout attack.

Tom: 00:02:46

Okay, so how do doctors even know if someone has gout? Is it just a matter of looking at the joint?

Jane: 00:02:51

Well, they have a few different ways to figure it out. One way is to actually take some fluid from the joint with a needle and look for those uric acid crystals under a microscope.

Tom: 00:03:01

Wow. So they can actually see those tiny crystals?

Jane: 00:03:03

Yep. They can also do blood tests to measure uric acid levels.

Tom: 00:03:07

So if your levels are high, that means you have gout?

Jane: 00:03:10

Well, it's not quite that simple. Some people can have high levels and never get gout, and others might have normal levels but still have symptoms.

Tom: 00:03:18

So it's not just a one size fits all kind of thing?

Jane: 00:03:20

No, not at all. And sometimes doctors will use X rays or ultrasounds to get a better look at what's going on in the joint.

Tom: 00:03:26

I see. Is there anything else they use?

Jane: 00:03:28

Yeah, there's actually this new type of scan called a DECT scan. It's like a special kind of CT scan that's really good at showing those uric acid crystals. Even better than a regular CT scan.

Tom: 00:03:40

Oh, wow. So it's like being a detective, putting all these different clues together to figure out if it's really gout.

Jane: 00:03:47

Yeah, exactly. And once they know for sure, then they can start talking about treatment and how to manage it.

Tom: 00:03:53

Right. So back to this whole genes versus lifestyle thing.

Jane: 00:03:56

Yeah.

Tom: 00:03:56

If our genes play such a big part, does that mean it doesn't matter what we eat and drink anymore?

Jane: 00:04:02

Well, not exactly. Even though our genes might make us more likely to get gout, what we choose to do still makes a difference.

It can impact how the condition develops and how often we have those painful attacks.

Tom: 00:04:12

The, like genes are the setup, and lifestyle is what triggers it.

Jane: 00:04:15

That's a good way to think about it. And some foods and drinks are definitely more likely to trigger a gout attack than others.

Tom: 00:04:21

So what are the things we should be avoiding?

Jane: 00:04:23

So, Dr. Axe, he's a big name in natural health. He says there are a few main culprits.

Things like excess sugar, refined grains, and processed meats, they're all high in these things called purines.

Tom: 00:04:34

And those are bad because ...

Jane: 00:04:36

They break down into uric acid in our bodies.

Tom: 00:04:38

Ah, so it's basically the same stuff we always hear about when it comes to unhealthy eating.

Jane: 00:04:42

Pretty much. Sugar feeds. Yeast grains turn into sugar, and processed meats are super acidic.

Plus they often have all these hormones and antibiotics in them, which can cause more inflammation. All of that leads to higher uric acid levels.

Tom: 00:04:55

Okay, so maybe those late night sugary snacks and processed meats have gotta go. What about alcohol? I've always heard that's a big trigger for gout.

Jane: 00:05:03

Yeah, it can be. Especially beer. It basically messes with how our bodies get rid of uric acid, so it builds up and that can set off an attack.

Tom: 00:05:12

So no more three martini lunches?

Jane: 00:05:14

Well, moderation is key, for sure. Especially if you have a family history of gout or you're already having symptoms. But, you know, everyone's different.

What might trigger one person might not bother someone else.

Tom: 00:05:25

Right. So it's all about knowing your own body and what your limits are. But what about the stuff we should be eating?

What does a good diet for someone with gout look like?

Jane: 00:05:33

Dr. Axe recommends sticking to a diet that's high in vegetables, fruits, and organic meats.

Things like leafy greens, colorful berries, and lean protein sources.

Tom: 00:05:44

Okay, that sounds pretty doable, right?

Jane: 00:05:45

And things like bone broth and chicken vegetable soup are really good too, Especially if you just want something comforting and healthy.

Tom: 00:05:52

Yeah, I can get behind that. More home cooked meals with fresh ingredients. But what if just changing our diet isn't enough?

Are there natural things we can do to get some relief from that gout pain?

Jane: 00:06:04

Definitely. Dr. Axe has a bunch of natural remedies he recommends. Some that work fast and others that are more for long term management.

Tom: 00:06:10

Okay, tell me more about the ones that work quickly.

Jane: 00:06:12

Two that are really good are celery seed extract and black cherry juice. Celery seed extract is known to reduce uric acid buildup. You can take it as a supplement or even just juice some celery yourself.

Tom: 00:06:24

Oh, wow. So simple, right?

Jane: 00:06:26

And black cherry juice does something similar. It fights inflammation and helps flush out that extra uric acid.

Tom: 00:06:32

Interesting. So we might already have stuff in our kitchens that can help.

Jane: 00:06:35

Exactly. And a lot of people are already drinking celery juice. And black cherry juice is delicious.

It's always a good idea to try natural options alongside any other treatments, especially for something chronic like gout, for sure.

Tom: 00:06:48

But it's important to remember that those natural remedies aren't a replacement for seeing a doctor.

Jane: 00:06:53

Absolutely. This is about making informed decisions, not trying to diagnose or treat ourselves. So when should someone actually go see a doctor about their gout?

Tom: 00:07:03

That's a good question. And I bet a lot of people are wondering that, when is it time to get some professional help?

Jane: 00:07:09

Well, the Mayo Clinic says you should see a doctor if you have any of those classic gout symptoms. You know, that sudden intense pain in your big toe, redness, swelling, tenderness in the joint.

Tom: 00:07:19

I see.

Jane: 00:07:20

And especially if those attacks are happening a lot or they're really painful, it's definitely time to see a doctor.

Tom: 00:07:25

Right. Don't just try to tough it out, especially if those natural remedies aren't working.

Jane: 00:07:28

Exactly. And when you do go see your doctor, be ready to talk honestly about your symptoms, your lifestyle, and if anyone else in your family has had gout.

Tom: 00:07:36

And don't be afraid to ask about other treatment options, too. I know there are medications for gout, right?

Jane: 00:07:41

Yes, there are. Some are for that immediate pain and inflammation during an attack. Like non steroidal anti inflammatory drugs. We call those NSAIDs for short.

Or colchicine and corticosteroids. And then there are others that work by lowering your uric acid levels in the blood to prevent future attacks.

Those are called uric acid lowering drugs, and they basically help your body get rid of that excess uric acid.

Tom: 00:08:06

So there are a lot of different options.

Jane: 00:08:08

Right.

And it's important to have that conversation with your doctor to figure out the best approach for you, whether it's lifestyle changes, natural remedies, medication, or a combination of everything.

Tom: 00:08:19

It sounds like being proactive is key here. If you think you might have gout, talk to your doctor.

Jane: 00:08:23

Absolutely. They can help you figure out the best treatment plan for you. Because no one wants to live in fear of their next gout attack, right?

Tom: 00:08:30

Definitely not. Knowledge is power. And the more we know about gout, the better we can manage it and just live our lives.

Jane: 00:08:36

Yeah, exactly. Well said. But before we wrap up this part of our deep dive, there's one more thing I want to bring up.

Tom: 00:08:43

All this research on the genes behind gout, it really makes you think, right? Like, what else could we learn from this?

Jane: 00:08:49

Absolutely. It's like opening up a whole new world of possibilities.

Tom: 00:08:52

Yeah. Imagine being able to know who's at risk for gout before they even have their first attack.

Jane: 00:08:58

Exactly. Think of all the things we could do to prevent it from ever happening.

Tom: 00:09:03

That would be amazing. And if we can figure out exactly how those genes work, maybe we could even develop new treatments that target those specific genes.

Jane: 00:09:12

Right, instead of just dealing with the pain after it starts.

Tom: 00:09:15

Exactly. What if we could actually get to the root cause?

Jane: 00:09:17

And you know what's really interesting? We might even be able to repurpose some drugs that are already out there.

Tom: 00:09:23

Oh, you mean like medications that are already used for other things?

Jane: 00:09:26

Yeah, exactly.

There might be some drugs that are currently used to treat other inflammatory conditions that could also be helpful for gout, Especially if we can tailor them to a person's specific genes.

Tom: 00:09:39

Wow, that's incredible. So this is really just the beginning of what we could discover.

Jane: 00:09:44

Absolutely. And it shows just how important it is to keep investing in research in this area. Gout affects so many people. It's time we take it seriously.

Tom: 00:09:53

I completely agree.

So for everyone listening, especially those of us over 40 who are trying to stay healthy, what's the biggest thing we should take away from all of this?

Jane: 00:10:02

I think the most important thing to remember is that gout isn't just about what you eat and drink. It's not a simple lifestyle disease. It's way more complicated than that.

Tom: 00:10:10

So it's not our fault if we get it.

Jane: 00:10:12

It's not about blame. It's about understanding that our genes play a huge role. And the good news is, there are things we can do to take control.

Tom: 00:10:20

Okay, so what can we do?

Jane: 00:10:21

Well, the first step is to know your risk factors. Do you have a family history of gout? Are you carrying a few extra pounds?

Do you eat a lot of sugar, drink a lot of alcohol, or load up on processed foods? Those are all things that can increase your risks.

Tom: 00:10:35

I see. So once you know your risks, you can start making changes to lower them.

Jane: 00:10:38

Exactly. It's all about prevention and staying proactive. And remember, if you're having any symptoms, don't be afraid to talk to your doctor.

They can help you figure out the best way to manage your gout.

Tom: 00:10:50

Whether it's changing your diet, trying natural remedies, taking medication, or a combination of all of those things.

Jane: 00:10:56

Right. Because there's no reason to suffer if you don't have to to. With the right knowledge and the right tools, we can all live well, even with gout.

Tom: 00:11:03

That's a great point. And speaking of knowledge, I think we've covered a lot of ground today in our deep dive into gout.

Jane: 00:11:09

We have. It's been a really interesting conversation.

Tom: 00:11:12

It has. And I hope everyone listening has learned some valuable things that they can use to stay healthy.

But before we go, I want to leave you with one last thought to chew on.

Jane: 00:11:21

Okay, I'm listening.

Tom: 00:11:22

What if, in the future, we could personalize gout treatment based on each person's unique genetic makeup?

Jane: 00:11:30

Wow. So instead of a one size fits all approach, we could tailor treatment plans to be as effective as possible for each individual.

Tom: 00:11:37

Exactly. And we could minimize side effects, too.

Jane: 00:11:39

That would be a game changer, for sure.

Tom: 00:11:42

It would. And who knows? With all the amazing research that's happening, it might not be that far off.

Jane: 00:11:47

You're right. It's definitely something to think about.

Tom: 00:11:50

Okay, well, on that note, I think it's time to wrap up this episode of the deep dive.

Jane: 00:11:55

Thanks for having me. It's been a pleasure talking about this with you.

Tom: 00:11:57

It's been great having you. And to everyone listening, thank you for joining us. We hope you learned some valuable things today.

Jane: 00:12:03

Stay curious, stay informed, and stay healthy.

Tom: 00:12:06

You know, it's amazing to think about how much we're still learning about gout, even though it's been around for, what, centuries?

Jane: 00:12:13

Yeah, it really is. It's like we're finally starting to crack the code.

Tom: 00:12:17

And all this new stuff about genetics, that's a total game changer.

Jane: 00:12:20

It really is. It's making us rethink everything we thought we knew about gout for sure.

Tom: 00:12:25

So for everyone listening, especially those of us over 40 trying to stay healthy as we get older, what's the one thing you want them to remember?

Jane: 00:12:33

I think the most important message is this. Gout is not a sign of weakness. It's not like you did something wrong. It's often largely because of our genes.

And the good news is there are things we can do to take control.

Tom: 00:12:45

So what can we do?

Jane: 00:12:46

Well, start by figuring out your own risk factors. Do you have a family history of gout? Are you carrying a few extra pounds? Do you eat a lot of sugar, alcohol, or processed foods?

Those are all things that can increase your risk.

Tom: 00:13:00

So once you know what your risks are, you can start making changes.

Jane: 00:13:03

Exactly. It's all about prevention and being proactive. And if you start having any symptoms, don't wait. Talk to your doctor.

Tom: 00:13:10

Yeah. They can help you figure out the best way to deal with it.

Jane: 00:13:12

Right. Whether that's changing your diet, trying natural remedies, taking medication, or maybe a combination of all of those.

Tom: 00:13:19

It really sounds like knowledge is power when it comes to gout.

Jane: 00:13:22

Absolutely. The more we know, the better we can manage it.

Tom: 00:13:26

Well said. Well, I think that about covers it for our deep dive into gout.

Jane: 00:13:31

It's been a great conversation.

Tom: 00:13:32

It really has. And to all our listeners out there, thanks for joining us today.

Jane: 00:13:35

We hope you learned something new.

Tom: 00:13:37

We'll keep digging into the research and bringing you the latest info so you can stay healthy and make the best decisions for your health.

Jane: 00:13:42

So until next time, stay curious, stay informed, and stay well.

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This episode was sponsored by Muscadinex. The Muscadine is America's strongest source of grape, resveratrol and other age better molecules.

Please go to the Show Notes for links to the research used in this podcast.