Gout

Description

This is a form of arthritis where severe pain, redness, and tenderness in the joints are experienced. Gout attacks can last from a few days to a couple of weeks. Gout can affect both sexes and all age groups although it is not often seen in those under 40, while it is most commonly seen in men over 60. Crystalline sodium urate deposition in the soft tissues and cartilage may produce nodules known as tophi, these may reach a point where they cause the joints to completely seize. Repeated bouts of gout over a long period of time can cause permanent joint damage.

Symptoms

Severe pain, inflammation, swelling, and tenderness of affected joints. It is most often seen in the big toe joint but other joints including the ankle, knee, mid-foot, wrist, and fingers are also affected. Because uric acid crystallises at lower temperatures, it might explain why gout is often located in the extremities like the big toe joint.

Treatments

Here are some effective home treatments for gout:

1. Drink plenty of water: Staying hydrated helps to flush out excess uric acid from the body, reducing the risk of gout attacks.
2. Apply ice: Applying ice to the affected joint can help to reduce inflammation and ease pain.
3. Elevate the affected joint: Elevating the affected joint above heart level can help to reduce swelling and pain.
4. Rest the affected joint: Resting the affected joint can help to reduce inflammation and prevent further damage.
5. Avoid high-purine foods: Foods that are high in purines, such as red meat, shellfish, and organ meats, can increase uric acid levels and trigger gout attacks.
6. Eat a balanced diet: A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat dairy products can help to reduce the risk of gout attacks.
7. Limit alcohol consumption: Alcohol can increase uric acid levels and trigger gout attacks. Limiting alcohol consumption or avoiding it altogether can help to reduce the risk of gout attacks.
8. Use natural remedies: Certain natural remedies, such as cherry juice, ginger, and turmeric, may help to reduce inflammation and ease gout symptoms.

Nutrients and supplements:
1. Gout formula – for gout of all types.
2. Buffered Vit C – helps to lower serum uric acid levels.
3. Vit B Complex – required for proper
4. Zinc – for tissue repair.
5. Inflammatio – applied topically may be helpful for flare-ups reducing swelling and relieving pain.
6. Potassium – to maintain a proper mineral balance
7. Kelp – contains proteins and minerals that help reduce serum uric acid.

Causes

Gout is caused by an imbalance of uric acid (sodium urate) in the blood, tissue, and urine. The deposit of uric acid crystals in the joints causes inflammation, swelling, and pain. Gout may be passed on genetically.

The following put you at risk for developing gout:
1. Being obese
2. Hypertension
3. Having Insulin resistance
4. Metabolic syndrome
5. Diabetes
6. Poor kidney function
7. Nutrient deficiencies; A vitamin B5 deficiency may produce high levels of uric acid. Animal studies have also shown that a deficiency of vitamin A can cause gout, while vitamin E deficiency may also be responsible for high levels of uric acid.
8. People who have been on antibiotics for long periods or people who have frequent candida infections may often have increased levels of uric acid in their blood.

Underlying Emotions

Feelings of impatience and anger, the desire to dominate due to feelings of control, or feelings of disempowerment.

Diet

A diet low in purines is indicated (purines are organic compounds that contribute to uric acid formation).

1. Avoid the following high-purine foods; organ meats (such as liver, and kidneys), sweetbreads, anchovies, shellfish, asparagus, mincemeat, mushrooms, lentils, dry peas, dry beans, and sardines. Eliminate homogenized milk as this may be a source of xanthene oxidase which can increase levels of uric acid. Also, try to avoid anything containing Vitamin B3, alcohol, coffee, tea, cocoa, fizzy drinks, and refined carbohydrates

2. Foods with low purine content include; green vegetables, nuts, most vegetables, cereals, fruits, and eggs. Therapeutic foods include: apples, black currants, watercress, kale, strawberries, dandelion greens, potato broth, chicory, cherries, blueberries, raspberries, parsnips, celery, olives, rye, lima beans, rice bran, bananas, sprouts, watercress, apples

3. Drink plenty of fluids to dilute the contents of the blood, this will ensure that uric acid has less chance of precipitating out of the blood and will promote excretion of uric acid.

4. A Low-fat diet of unsaturated fats is indicated.

5. Avoid alcohol as this increases the production of uric acid and reduces uric acid elimination.

Remedies