The primary cause of gout of the joints is inflammation caused by a buildup of uric acid crystals in joints. Gout is a form of arthritis and, although the exact disease mechanism of gout is unknown, it suspected to be a hereditary condition most common in men older than 40 that also occurs in postmenopausal women. Once known as a disease of nobility, gout of the joints is primarily caused by the diet of people who are predisposed to the disease. For example, a high concentration of seafood in the diet has been found to greatly increase the likelihood of gout of the joints.

The symptoms of gout of the joints are painful swelling on one or more joints. Although gout symptoms are primarily associated with the big toe, gout of the joints can strike any joint of the body. In severe cases, where buildup of needle-like uric acid crystals have inflamed the joint and surrounding tissue, the skin surrounding a joint can be come red and shiny.

For years, diets that are rich in meats and in foods that are considered to be high in purines, which accentuate the production of uric acid in the body, were believed to cause gout of the joints. Researchers, however, have found that high-purine foods such as peas, beans, mushrooms, cauliflower and spinach were not associated with a high risk of gout. Fatty meats, though, have been found to increase the risk of gout of the joints by about 40 percent.

Certain foods and food supplements are known to lessen the effects of persons suffering from gout of the joints. Cherries are the most studied food that has a documented beneficial effect in gout attacks, but other dark berries are known to have a positive effect on gout symptoms as well. Celery has been used for centuries as a remedy for arthritis, rheumatism and gout.

There are other supplements that are known to have a beneficial effect on gout of the joints, including bromelain, an enzyme derived from pineapple. It is available in capsule form as a suitable alternative to stronger prescription anti-inflammatory drugs. Also beneficial are tumeric or curcumin, which acts much like over-the-counter painkillers in relieving inflammation.