If you have gout, you are probably aware that you have high levels of uric acid in your body. What you probably don’t know is why this is a problem for you when it could so easily happen to anyone. For some reason, some people are more prone to the problem. When that happens, they usually wonder what is the cause for high uric acid level in his or her individual case.

High levels of uric acid is referred to as a condition called Hyperuricemia. The body – and the kidneys in particular - are responsible for flushing the excess uric acid from the system. When the acid is not removed as it should be, that is when gout usually occurs.

Uric acid has to have somewhere to go, and the body, not knowing what to do with it, deposits it in the joints where crystals form, causing pain and inflammation. Although sometimes, excess uric acid can accumulate in the kidneys, leading to painful kidney stones.

One of the big reasons why you may have gout is because other members of your family have it. It appears to be genetic in some cases. If your dad has it, you are at higher risk for getting it too. That means you should take preventative measures if you can.

Weight can also be a huge contributing factor. If you are overweight, you have a higher likelihood of developing gout. Losing weight can lower your chances for having problems with excess uric acid build up.

What you eat and what you drink can also lead to problems with gout. Foods that are high in purines are often the biggest culprit when it comes to dietary causes. Though much of the blame is laid on high purine animal proteins, some have stepped back from that saying that though they are problematic, it’s more a combination of a lot of the wrong foods.

Those who drink alcohol are also at a higher risk too. When the kidneys have to process the alcohol, it can not concentrate on expelling uric acid. That can lead to a build up, and a heavy drinking binge usually precedes a painful flare up. A low level of potassium is also a problem for some sufferers.

It is not always clear why, but high levels of uric acid can be associated with high blood pressure and other heart conditions.

There are also some medications that can raise the levels within the body. If you already have gout, or you think you are high risk to get it some time in the future, you should talk to your doctor about an alternative if you are given a medication known to raise levels of uric acid. There may be other things you can take, though that is not always the case. It will depend on your condition and your treatment options.

If you are diagnosed with gout, or you are told that you are a candidate for developing it in the future, you can probably trace the reasons back to one of causes mentioned above. The cause for high uric acid level in some people can be made up by a combination of a few of them. If you know you are at risk, starting early with a modified diet can help you, and you should think twice before you drink a lot of alcohol. Share your concerns with your doctor, and ask them for tips to help you possibly prevent gout in the future.