It is usually the result of high living. It most often attacks people past middle age, who have indulged in large quantities of food, especially the nitrogenous foods which are not thoroughly oxidized due to sluggish circulation and shallow breathing. The process, imperfectly carried on, allows the accumulation of the waste material which cannot be excreted by the kidneys unless completely transformed by oxidation. These insoluble materials are deposited in the joints, act as irritants, and occasion the attacks of pain, swelling, and tenderness which usually mark the acute condition. It is most common in those who habitually overeat, take little exercise, or who have frequently indulged in alcohol. Sugar and fat in quantities are injurious as the oxidation of the protein is not carried on as completely when these are in excess. In fact, the entire system is more sluggish. Fat also interferes with gastric digestion as it passes through the stomach unchanged, and if the particles of food have a coat of the fat liquefied by the heat of the stomach, it is difficult for the gastric juice to exert its power. The use of meat and sugars tends to make the urine acid and the use of vegetables favors its alkalinity, rendering it less acid. Therefore it becomes necessary to eliminate meat from the diet, to cut down the fats and carbohydrates, and to eat freely of fruits and vegetables. Alcohol is absolutely prohibited. In _acute cases_ a diet of bread and milk, or toast and milk, with light vegetable broths, should be followed for from one to three days. In _chronic cases_ the diet may consist of the following: _Soups._—Vegetable broths. _Fish._—Fresh fish, shell fish, raw oysters. _Meats._—It is better to omit all meats. If meat is eaten at all, it should be confined to game, chicken, and fat bacon. _Farinaceous._—Cereals, crackers, dry toast, milk toast, macaroni, graham or whole wheat bread, rye bread, oatmeal, and any of the breakfast foods. _Vegetables._—Celery, lettuce, watercress, all greens, without vinegar, string beans, green peas, potatoes, carrots, and beets. _Fruits._—All fruits, stewed or fresh. Unpeeled apples are especially recommended. (Greens, without vinegar and unpeeled apples, increase the action of the kidneys.) _Desserts._—Plain puddings, junket, rice, stewed or fresh fruits. _Liquids._—Pure water, toast water, barley water, buttermilk, malted milk, milk. Eat eggs sparingly, and in severe cases, not at all. AVOID.—Alcohol, coffee, tobacco, dried fruits, nuts, cheese, candies, pastries, pies, spices, rich puddings, fried foods, vinegar, pickles, lemons, rhubarb, mushrooms, asparagus, sweet potatoes, tomatoes, gravies, patties, rich soups, lobster, salmon, crabs, mackerel, eel, veal, pork, goose, duck, turkey, salted, dried, potted, or preserved fish or meat (except bacon).