Gout

Gout

Gout is a type of arthritis. Gout causes sudden joint inflammation, usually in one joint. Severe gout can sometimes affect many joints at once. This is known as polyarticular gout. Gout is caused by the accumulation in the joint of crystals of a byproduct chemical of metabolism known as uric acid. When uric acid crystals accumulate, it causes inflammation in a joint. Joint inflammation causes pain, redness, heat, and swelling of the joint. An elevated uric acid level in the bloodstream leads to uric acid accumulation in the tissues of a joint. Uric acid is normally found in the body and is a normal byproduct of the way the body breaks down certain proteins called purines. Causes of an elevated uric acid level (hyperuricemia) in the bloodstream include genetics, obesity, certain medications such as diuretics (water pills), and chronic decreased kidney function.

See also :

• Arthritis
• Joint Pain
• Rheumatism
• Osteoarthritis (OA)
• Inflammatory diseases

Causes

• Gout is more common after surgery, trauma, and dehydration.
• Certain medications such as diuretics (commonly known as water pills) that raise the level of uric acid in the bloodstream are risks for gout. Surprisingly, medications that lower the level of uric acid in the bloodstream, such as allopurinol (Zyloprim, Aloprim), can also initially cause a flare of gout. This is because anything that raises or lowers the uric acid level can cause a gout flare by causing uric acid crystals to deposit in a joint. Low-dose aspirin may precipitate gout attacks. The treatment of certain types of cancer can cause gout because of high levels of uric acid released when cells are destroyed.
• Joints affected by degenerative arthritis are more likely to be the site of a gouty attack.
• be wary of food and drinks that are high in purines. Beer is a particular problem, spirits and red wine are bad; white wine is slightly less so.
• Some of the foods we are told are healthy are a problem for those with gout. Oily fish, such as herring and mackerel, are otherwise extremely good for us, but increase the risk. Shellfish is a problem.
• Yeast extracts are bad. So is offal, such as liver, sweetbreads and tripe.
• Soft drinks containing fructose, which have been implicated in obesity, are also thought by some scientists to be better avoided.

Home remedies

• maintain a healthy weight and a healthy diet low in refined carbohydrates and low in saturated fat and red meat.
• Cherries help treat gout, arthritis, rheumatism and anaemia due to their high iron content.
• Celery seed (Apium graveolens) has a long folk history. It has been used to treat Joint Pain (including gout), as well as headache, anxiety and gas.
• People who have had an attack of gout are often advised to avoid seafood and beer.
• Berries : there are four berries that have shown benefits to those suffering from the disease: strawberry, elderberry, raspberry and elderberry. Elderberry contains huge amounts of cyaniding in its extract. It also contains quercetin. Cyanidin and quercetin, which can be found in almost all types of berries, are flavonoids, substances that can help prevent the blood vessels from leakage and rupture, that can enhance Vitamin C’s power and therefore prevent the body from contracting too much inflammation, such as in the case of gout.
• Grapefruit is loaded with antioxidants that reduce inflammation.
• Pineapple is known for bromelain, a substance that is associated as being potent anti-inflammatory enzyme. Additionally, it contains potassium that can convert uric acid into a form that is easily filtered and eliminated by the kidney.
• Grapes are used mainly for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Grapes may only boast of its manganese, vitamins K and C content, but grapes have long been popular with its rich phytonutrient content. The richest amount of antioxidants however can be found in the seeds and the skin of grapes. And this decreases gout’s biomarkers of oxidative stress. Additionally, grapes disable the overproduction of enzymes that are pro-inflammatory. This will therefore decrease the severity of the symptoms of inflammation due to gout.
• Take three tablespoons of apple cider vinegar with mother (white spiderweb like floaties) mixed with one teaspoon of aluminum-free baking soda together with two ounces of water and one teaspoon of raw honey. Drink this three times a day until complete relief is achieved and then once a week for maintenance.
• Baking Soda : Because drinking baking soda water can balance the body's pH level, some health experts recommend bicarbonate of soda to combat uric acid formation.
• Beet juice helps stave off acidosis while stimulating liver cells to cleanse and protect bile ducts. Whole beets help the kidneys and relieve constipation.
• Himalayan salt or Celtic Sea Salt carry just under 100 microminerals, which help the body curb gout and fight crystalline buildup of gallstones, liver, kidney and bladder stones.

Warnings

• Longstanding untreated gout can cause irreversible joint damage.
• Uric acid can deposit in the kidneys and cause kidney stones and decreased kidney function.
• Uric acid can deposit in the soft tissues, especially around joints, and cause nodules known as tophi, which can be large and unsightly.

Medical Disclaimer

This information is not meant to be substituted for medical advice. Always consult a medical professional regarding any medical problems and before undertaking any treatment or dietary changes.