Gout

Background: What Is Gout?

Gout is a chronic disorder of purine metabolism leading to recurrent flares of joint inflammation. It most commonly affects the base of the big toe, but ankles, knees, wrists, and fingers may also be involved.

The underlying cause is hyperuricemia—excessive accumulation of uric acid due to increased production or reduced excretion.

Clinical Presentation: Signs and Symptoms

Gout typically presents with sudden onset of intense joint pain, especially at night.

Classic Signs of Gout Flare:

• Severe joint pain (typically starting in the big toe)
• Redness, warmth, and tenderness over the joint
• Swelling and limited joint movement
• Peeling of skin as flare resolves
  
  

In chronic cases, urate deposits known as tophi may form, leading to joint deformity and damage.

Functional Evaluation: Assessing Gout and Uric Acid Metabolism

We use a comprehensive assessment, including:

• Clinical Review: Symptoms, diet, hydration, family history
• Lab Testing:
• Serum Uric Acid
• Creatinine, BUN, and eGFR
• CRP and ESR – Male
• Joint Fluid Analysis: Identification of monosodium urate crystals
• Imaging: Ultrasound, CT, or X-rays for chronic changes
  
  

Root Causes of Elevated Uric Acid

Key drivers include:

• High-purine diets (red meats, organ meats, seafood)
• Alcohol and fructose consumption
• Obesity and insulin resistance
• Kidney dysfunction
• Medication effects (diuretics, aspirin, cyclosporine)
  
  

Conditions Associated with Gout

Gout is commonly associated with:

• Chronic Kidney Disease
• Hypertension
• Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
• Obesity
  
  

Interfering Factors in Diagnosis and Treatment

Considerations include:

• Normal uric acid levels during a flare
• Dehydration or overhydration
• Low intake of detox-supportive nutrients (magnesium, vitamin C)
• Medication overuse (diuretics, aspirin)

Functional Medicine Approach at Intercoastal Health

Our strategy includes:

1. Therapeutic Nutrition

• Emphasize anti-inflammatory, low-purine foods
• Hydration optimization (2.5–3 liters/day)
  

2. Weight and Insulin Management

• Sustainable fat loss
• Support mitochondrial function
  

3. Detoxification and Gut Health

• Address gut dysbiosis, constipation, liver overload
  

4. Supplementation

• Vitamin C, magnesium, cherry extract
• Omega-3 fatty acids, quercetin
  

5. Lifestyle Optimization

• Stress reduction
• Sleep and exercise balancing

Conclusion

Gout provides insight into systemic metabolic imbalance, not just isolated joint inflammation. At Intercoastal Health, we focus on identifying the metabolic, renal, and inflammatory drivers behind hyperuricemia for durable symptom control and long-term joint preservation.

In conclusion, a comprehensive evaluation by a functional medicine nurse practitioner in Florida facilitates identification of cellular-level and molecular imbalances driving cardiometabolic dysfunction. By integrating evidence-based therapies with medical weight loss and longevity medicine services—where systemic inflammation is often impacted—we offer patients a regenerative, preventive framework to rebuild resilience and optimize wellness. Call tel:(904) 799‑2531 or schedule online to request your personalized metabolic health assessment.

Further Reading

• Gout and Hyperuricemia: Pathophysiology and Clinical Management
• The Role of Uric Acid in Inflammation, Oxidative Stress, and Cardiometabolic Disorders
• Dietary Strategies for Managing Gout and Hyperuricemia
• Gut Microbiota and Gout: Emerging Insights
• Functional Medicine Approaches to Chronic Inflammatory Arthritis