If you experience gout once, you’ll never forget it. The condition’s unmistakable burning pain and swelling is something that stays seared into your mind long after you’re feeling better.
But if you haven’t had gout, allow us to explain…
Gout is a series of conditions, usually in the feet, caused by a buildup of uric acid. It’s usually characterized by brutal pain in the joints of your feet, especially your big toe, and it’s not uncommon for people to describe gout as feeling like their foot is on fire.
As many as 8.3 million adults suffer from gout each year—around 3.9% of the US population (1). What many people don’t realize is that gout is largely an inflammation issue and that it’s often caused by an imbalance of omega-3s and omega-6s (2).
Today we’ll explain what causes gout, how to know whether you have it, and how to manage it naturally.