One of the UK’s most well-known TV doctors has revealed that he suffers from the ‘Victorian disease’ gout — and warned that indulgent lifestyles are to blame for a sharp rise in the UK.
Dr Hilary Jones, resident GP on ITV’s Good Morning Britain and Lorraine, said he suffered all the classic symptoms of the condition, including discoloured nails, joint pain that would worsen at night and chronic fatigue.
Gout — a painful type of arthritis — was historically referred to as a ‘rich man’s disease’, as it is partly triggered by eating too much meat and drinking excessive alcohol.
However, the UK has seen an unexpected rise over the last three decades, with cases increasing by 70 per cent, largely due to an ageing population and increasingly unhealthy diets.
The condition, which affects one in 40 Brits, can cause excruciating pain, usually in the toes, but also in joints within the feet, hands, wrists, elbow or knees.
It arises from a build-up of uric acid in the body, which causes deposits of sodium urate crystals forming in and around the joints, leading to pain and discomfort.
Uric acid accumulates due to the consumption of foods and drinks high in compounds called purines, which are abundant in red meat, seafood and alcohol.
‘Gout affects around 2.5 per cent of people in the UK, and men more than women. Unfortunately, this Christmas I was one of them,’ Dr Hilary admitted.
Dr Hilary Jones , GP and Health Editor at ITVs Good Morning Britain, said his gout caused discoloured nails, joint pain that would worsen at night and chronic fatigue
‘The prevalence of gout has been steadily increasing over the last century and is forecast to increase further,’ he added.
Modern diets heavy in ultraprocessed red meat have increased Brits’ risk of developing the condition, which is also linked to being overweight, as well as a side effect of certain medications, like those designed to tackle high blood pressure.
It’s common for gout to develop after Christmas time, Dr Hilary warned.
‘Foods that are high in purine and converted to uric acid are popular at Christmas,’ he said. ‘Examples include red meat, offal, game meats like venison, oily fish, seafood, poultry, and gravy.’
But crash diets in January can be just as harmful.
‘Rapid weight loss and cutting out alcohol suddenly can actually trigger gout attacks,’ said Dr Hilary.
‘This happens because rapid weight loss breaks down cells in the body, releasing uric acid into the bloodstream and increasing the likelihood of urate crystal formation in the joints.
‘Focus on gradual, sustainable changes rather than quick fixes or fad diets. A balanced diet and regular physical activity are key to reducing your risk of gout while supporting overall health.’
He also added against dramatic drops in alcohol intake — as this too could lead to an increase in the production of uric acid.
When Dr Hilary experienced some of the common symptoms of gout he used a Newfoundland at-home test to check his uric acid levels
Staying hydrated will also help flush uric acid from the body, reducing the risk of crystal formation in the joints.
A low-purine diet is another way of keeping gout at bay. This means limiting purine-rich foods such as red meat, shellfish, and asparagus.
Instead, Dr Hilary suggested opting for vegetables, fruits, wholegrains, and low-fat dairy, which are less likely to trigger flare-ups.
To those diagnosed with gout, Dr Hilary said: ‘If your doctor has prescribed medications like allopurinol or colchicine, take them as directed to control uric acid levels and prevent flare-ups.
‘For acute attacks, over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) can help alleviate pain and swelling.’
Dr Hilary said his condition was picked up by a simple at-home test that checks levels of uric acid.
Following the diagnosis, he began to make small changes to his diet, such as limiting purine-rich foods and gradually reducing his alcohol intake.
Dr Hilary has shared the main warning signs of the condition to help others recognise the symptoms.
Sufferers may notice their nails appearing discoloured or even thickened. This can be due to the presence of topi — deposits of uric acid crystals forming under the skin.
Men with gout also have a higher risk of developing erectile dysfunction, Dr Hilary warned.
Studies suggest they are also more likely to experience severe cases of ED, potentially due to the systemic inflammation and vascular issues associated with gout.
Gout commonly causes joint pain, but this frequently occurs at night. This can disrupt sleep with a sharp, intense pain.
‘Even outside of acute flare-ups, some individuals may experience lingering joint discomfort or sensitivity that worsens during the night,’ Dr Hilary said.
Flare ups can make the skin peel and feel itchy around the infected joint.
Sufferers of gout may also experience chronic fatigue.
‘Some people report low energy levels or a general sense of malaise before or during an attack, which can further impact daily life, Dr Hilary added.
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