Have you ever woken up with a throbbing, painful big toe that makes it difficult to put your foot down? It’s a fairly common complaint and could indicate gout or high uric acid levels. This type of pain can be quite sharp, making the joint feel like it’s on fire. The good news is that there are things you can do to manage it, and simple changes to your dietary habits can make a big difference.
Understanding gout and high uric acid
So, what exactly happens when you experience this type of pain? Hyperuricemia, or excess uric acid in the blood, is often the cause. Uric acid is a waste product produced by the body when it breaks down substances called purines. Purines are naturally present in the body, but they can also be found in many foods, especially meat and fish.
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