What Causes Gout and How to Prevent It?

HiherbsOfficial
What Causes Gout and How to Prevent It

Understanding the link between lifestyle, hormones, and joint health

A brother at Hiherbs recently experienced gout at a very young age. Seeing his suffering during an attack makes me feel like my own joints are aching in sympathy.

Today’s Topic: Does gout "prefer" men simply because they indulge in heavy eating and drinking?

Data shows the ratio of male to female gout patients in China is 15:1. While lifestyle matters, simply blaming overeating is a bit unfair to men.

A man is experiencing joint gout

1. The Hormone Battle

Every day, our bodies process "metabolic trash," and uric acid is a major byproduct. It must be transported out by the kidneys and intestines. This is where gender differences play a huge role.

A diagram illustrating the formation process of gout

Men are dominated by androgens, which unfortunately act as a roadblock by hindering the excretion of uric acid.

On the other hand, estrogen in women acts as an accelerator, helping the body clear uric acid much faster. This explains why women’s risk only increases significantly after menopause when their estrogen levels decline.

2. Understanding the Uric Acid Limit

The human body can handle about 1200 mg of uric acid at once. We produce around 750 mg daily, while the kidneys work to remove 500 to 1000 mg.

Comparison chart of the impact of male and female hormones on the increase of gout

If this balance is disrupted, uric acid levels in the blood rise. Be aware: the normal threshold is 420 μmol/L. When concentrations exceed this, urate crystals begin to settle in the joints, triggering a painful immune response known as gout.

Graph showing the normal range of uric acid in the blood

3. The Guide to Eating and Drinking

Managing your intake is the most direct way to control uric acid. Here is the Hiherbs approved checklist:

Good Choices:

  • - Water: Drink at least 2000 ml daily to flush out uric acid.
  • - Milk: Low-fat or skim milk is excellent for reducing gout risk.

Avoid These:

  • - Alcohol: Beer and spirits are major triggers.
  • - Sugary Drinks: Juices and sodas high in fructose.
  • - Rich Broths: Concentrated meat or seafood soups.

4. Herbal Support and Daily Prevention

Uric acid comes from purines. While 80% is internal, managing the 20% from your diet is crucial and can lower uric acid by up to 18%.

Natural herbs like Cichorium Glandulosum Boiss, Gardenia, Kudzuvine Root, and Mulberry Leaf have diuretic and anti-inflammatory effects.

Our Hiherbs Uric Acid Balance Tea combines these with Licorice, Lily, and Lemon Grass for a balanced taste and comprehensive internal support.

Important Reminder

If your immediate family members have a history of gout, you must stay vigilant with regular check-ups. Maintaining a healthy weight and active lifestyle is your best defense.

Ahmad MI, Masood S, Furlanetto DM, Nicolaou S. Urate Crystals; Beyond Joints. Front Med (Lausanne). 2021 Jun 4;8:649505. doi: 10.3389/fmed.2021.649505. PMID: 34150794; PMCID: PMC8212931.  
© 2026 Hiherbs Health Blog. Scientific Wellness for Everyone.
Back to blog

Leave a comment

Please note, comments need to be approved before they are published.

Author Profile - YongMing_Li

YongMing_Li, A Descendant of the Traditional Chinese Medicine Family and an Innovator of Modern Health-Boosting Herbal Tea

A Descendant of the Traditional Chinese Medicine Family and an Innovator of Modern Health-Boosting Herbal Tea

Coming from a family of traditional Chinese medicine practitioners, he is determined to bring natural Chinese medicine therapies to more people. Following the unique "regulation" theory of traditional Chinese medicine, he has developed a distinctive and innovative health tea.

Recommended Products