Gout attacks, or flares, are caused by a buildup of uric acid in your blood. Uric acid is a substance your body makes when it breaks down other substances, called purines. Most of the uric acid in your body dissolves in your blood and leaves in your urine. But for some people, the body makes too much uric acid or doesn't remove it quickly enough. This leads to high levels of uric acid in your body, which can lead to gout. Imagine living...