Gout was historically called "the Kings disease."
Gout, a painful form of arthritis, earned the moniker "the Kings disease" due to its historical association with rich foods and alcohol consumption, indulgences more commonly accessible to royalty and the wealthy. This association dates back centuries, with early descriptions of the condition appearing as far back as the 5th century B.C. The disease is characterized by sudden, severe attacks of pain, swelling, redness and tenderness in one or more joints, most often in the big toe.
The connection between gout and a lavish lifestyle is due to the fact that foods high in purines (such as red meat, organ meats, and certain seafood) and alcohol can elevate uric acid levels in the blood. When uric acid levels become too high, uric acid crystals can form in the joints, leading to the excruciating pain and inflammation associated with gout attacks. While gout can affect anyone, its historical prevalence among the affluent contributed to its reputation as "the Kings disease."
