1.What exactly is gout? Gout is a clinical syndrome caused by elevated blood uric acid levels in the body, resulting in the deposition of sodium urate crystals in joints, synovial membranes, or other organ tissues, including arthritis, gout stones, uric acid kidney stones and gouty nephropathy, etc. In severe cases, joint disability and renal insufficiency may occur. Gout is associated with hyperuricemia caused by disorders of purine metabolism and/or reduced uric acid excretion, and is often associated with hyperlipidemia, hypertension, diabetes, atherosclerosis and coronary heart disease. 2.How can I tell if I have gout? The symptoms of gout attack are more typical, usually occurring in middle-aged men, with sudden appearance of redness, swelling and pain in single joints of the metatarsal phalanges, tarsometatarsals, ankles and knees, especially after overeating, when gout should be considered as a possibility. If the laboratory test finds that the blood uric acid salt is increased, and the bursal fluid examination finds uric acid salt crystals, the diagnosis of gout can be confirmed. 3.What is the relationship between diet and gout? When the body consumes too much purine-containing diet, it can increase blood uric acid levels by promoting uric acid synthesis. Acute gout can be triggered by uncontrolled overeating, especially of purine-rich foods. These foods include: (1) animal offal such as liver, kidney, brain and intestines; (2) certain fish such as sardines and shrimp and crab; (3) excessive meat, especially beef and lamb; and (4) excessive beans, mushrooms, cauliflower, etc. Studies have found that controlling diet and reducing weight can reduce the onset and attack of gout. 4.What is the relationship between alcohol consumption and gout? People who drink a lot of alcohol over a long period of time have a higher chance of developing gout. Alcohol consumption can increase blood lactate levels and inhibit the excretion of uric acid in the kidney tubules, leading to an increase in blood uric acid. When people drink alcohol, they often consume more high-protein, high-fat and high-purine foods, which can lead to higher blood uric acid levels and can trigger acute attacks of gout. Studies have found that the effect of alcohol consumption on gout is much higher than that of meals. Some people compared two groups of people who ate without alcohol with those who ate while drinking a lot of alcohol and found that the latter had significantly higher blood uric acid levels.